Royal baby: Prince William and Kate Middleton name son George Alexander Louis

BRITAIN'S new prince has been named George Alexander Louis, royal officials announced, ending speculation over what Prince William and his wife, Kate, would choose for their first child.

Kensington Palace said the royals are \"delighted to announce'' their son's name, adding that the 2-day-old baby and third-in-line to the throne will be known as \"His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.\"

Six previous British kings have been named George, and the name was a favourite of British bookmakers in the run-up to Wednesday's announcement.

For now, the baby is expected to stay out of the spotlight after making his first \"public appearance'' in the arms of his parents outside of London's St. Mary's Hospital on Tuesday.

Now that Kate and William have chosen a name, they are expected to soon choose a photographer for the baby's first official portrait.

Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge hold the Prince of Cambridge, as they pose for photographers outside St. Mary's Hospital exclusive Lindo Wing in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

After leaving the hospital, the couple introduced their son Wednesday to great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, who was keen to see the baby before she starts her annual summer vacation in Scotland later this week.

Queen Elizabeth II paid a private visit on Wednesday to Prince William and his wife Kate to meet their newbo son, her great-grandson who will one day inherit the throne.