Kate Middleton Naming New Royal Baby After Queen Elizabeth? Duchess Believes She Is Having A Girl: Report

Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has reportedly already decided on a name for her second child with Prince William. Despite her allegedly troubled relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, Globe magazine is reporting that Middleton has her heart set on naming the child after the royal grandmother.

At less than 12 weeks pregnant as of Sept. 8, Middleton and Prince William, both 32, are still weeks away from knowing the child’s gender. Even so, the tabloid reports that the duchess is convinced she is having a princess and is already pining to give her new baby the same name as the 88-year-old monarch. “They’ve already told the ailing queen they believe it’s a girl,” an “inside source” told the magazine (via CDL). “[They] asked for her permission to name their baby Elizabeth.”

The magazine reports that the pair, whose new arrival is expected in April or May 2015, believe the name would be nice tribute to the monarchy. “Like many of us, William and Kate fear the queen doesn’t have long left and want to honor her while she is still alive,” said source. Despite the monarch’s alleged “war” with Middleton in recent months over everything from the duchess’ wardrobe, her relocation to Norfolk, England, and the upbringing of her great-grandson Prince George, Globe reports the queen was thrilled with the baby name news. “It’s given her a new lease on life,” said a source.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expecting their second child earlier this month. The second royal baby will join the couple’s now 14-month-old son, Prince George.

Because of her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum, also known as acute morning sickness, Middleton has been absent from her royal duties in recent weeks. After being advised by doctors not to travel, her first solo trip to Malta in honor of the country's 50 years of independence was canceled last week. Prince William took her place on the tour, revealing at St. George’s Square in Valletta Saturday that his wife was doing “so-so” battling the pregnancy illness. “She’s up and down at the moment,” People magazine reports William told onlooker and Suffolk, England resident, Sandra Lant, 70.

Despite her medical ailments, Middleton has been spotted out and about in recent weeks. The pregnant duchess was recently spotted sporting an apparent baby bump at King’s Head Pub near the couple’s country home in Norfolk on Sept. 11. "Locals were stunned to see the royal couple saunter in and sit at a quiet table in the corner,” a source told Radar Online. “Towards the end of the meal, a couple of stunned locals introduced themselves to the royal couple and shook their hands."