Grace, Allegra emerge as surprise frontrunners for Sussex baby

With an announcement confirming the royal arrival expected any day now, a surprising new name has emerged as the frontrunner.

With an announcement confirming the arrival of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s baby expected any day now, a surprising name has emerged as a frontrunner.

In the last few weeks Grace has shot to the top of betting lists in the United Kingdom, now tying as the favourite alongside Diana for Meghan and Harry to name their first child.

While not a name traditionally used by British royal family, the name has been made most famous by the late Princess Grace of Monaco, an American actress who married into European royalty — sounds familiar?

People also claimed Grace could be a good fit given Meghan’s religious beliefs, with a close friend telling the magazine in February she is “extremely faithful” and “prays a lot”.

Another surprise contender for the Sussex baby is Allegra, which is currently ranked the sixth favourite, a result that’s puzzled the bookies.

Speculation continues over what name Meghan and Harry will pick. Picture: Dominic Lipinski — WPA Pool/Getty Images

“We’re scratching our heads as to why we’ve seen so much interest in Allegra, but the bets are coming in thick and fast, and it’s been by far the most popular pick of the month with punters,” Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati told Mail Online.

Allegra was said to be Princess Diana’s favourite name for a girl, with the Italian moniker meaning cheerful or joyous.

Meghan has long been a fan of Italian culture, naming her lifestyle blog The Tig after her favourite Italian wine Tignanello.

The Suits actress also frequently travelled to Italy prior to her relationship with Harry, with Positano thought to be one of her favourite destinations.

Other favourites for girls include Elizabeth, Alice and Victoria, while Arthur is the top pick if it is a boy followed by Philip, James and Albert.

Princess Grace of Monaco.

Allegra was Diana’s favourite name

The final stages of Meghan’s pregnancy have been shrouded in secrecy, with the Duchess of Sussex making her final public appearance in March.

Last month Meghan and Harry confirmed they wouldn’t be posing for the world’s media just hours after giving birth like Prince William and Kate Middleton had with all of their children.

“The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family,” a Buckingham Palace statement said.

MeanwhileThe Sun reported over the weekend that Meghan’s due date was Sunday UK time, however Harry was spotted that day attending the London Marathon where he handed out medals.

Meghan and Harry have kept the final stages of their pregnancy private. Picture: Ben Stansall / AFP

It’s believed Meghan will give birth at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, which is just half an hour from Frogmore Cottage.

“When she goes into labour, she wants to remain at home for as long as possible, but she’s in a situation where if something did go wrong and she had to be whisked to hospital, she would be,” a source told The Sun.

Both Meghan and Harry have said publicly they don’t know if they are having a boy or a girl, however, the Duchess of Sussex is rumoured to have told friends at her New York baby shower she is having a boy.