BABY POWER

It says something about the world when a new-born baby, barely conscious of anything, can take both the headlines and the front pages of all of the British newspapers. But that is what the Prince and Princess of Wales' new daughter has just done.

The new girl is fourth in line to the throne after her paternal grandfather Prince Charles, her dad Prince William and her elder brother Prince George. Because of the last, she is unlikely ever to inherit it, so it is less important that she gets a traditional royal name. Charlotte and Alice are apparently the bookmakers' favourites; however, for what it's worth, and despite its echoes of the nineteenth century, I am going for Victoria.

Walter Blotscher

PS Well, I got that one wrong, didn't I? Charlotte Elizabeth Diana in the end.