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The next royal baby will be a blonde-haired girl called Alice, weigh between seven and eight pounds and will arrive next Saturday... at least that’s what the smart money says.

According to bookies, these are the most likely outcomes as the Duchess of Cambridge prepares to give birth to her second child.

William Hill believe the baby will almost certainly arrive this week, offering even money it is delivered before the 27th of April.

The 25th and 26th are the favoured days both at 8/1.

Rupert Adams said: “The latest odds suggest that Catherine will give birth to a baby girl.

"She will be born on Saturday the 25th, weigh between 7 & 8lbs and be named Alice.

"She will have blonde hair and it will be a proud mum holding her as she is introduced to the world’s media.”

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Punters can even bet on who will be holding the baby when they come out of hospital with Kate at 1/3 and William 9/4.

William Hill have the name Alice at just 6-4 to be the one Kate and William choose for their new arrival.

However one report said Prince William was due to accompany the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on an official engagement next Saturday – the same day his wife is reportedly expected to give birth.

It said the Duke of Cambridge plans to do “everything he can” to be at the official commemorations to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli and Anzac campaigns at the Cenotaph on April 25.

A spokesman for William said: “The Duke’s intention is to be at the commemorations. Being the 100th anniversary, it is very important to him.”

Although her due date has not officially been confirmed, the Duchess of Cambridge told well wishers at a charity event last month: “I’m due mid-April, to the end of April.”

Palace sources later said the actual date was April 25.

The Duke committed to being present at the commemorations in February and, according to aides, plans to play things by ear.

One senior aide said: “We will have to see what happens. The Duchess has said the baby is due the second half of the month but we don’t know exactly when the baby will arrive.”