In a bit of news that has thrilled Cambridge reisdents, Prince William and Kate Middleton could become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their marriage next year.

Traditionally, royal men receive a new title from the sovereign after their wedding. In addition to Cambridge, there are a number of titles that are available as possible options for Prince William, including Duke of Clarence, Connaught, Sussex or Windsor.

However, Cambridge appears to be a likely choice, as bookmakers Paddy Power have made the title the favourite of the suggestions.

The news came after Clarence House announced that the couple became engaged on a holiday in Kenya in October. The wedding is set to take place next spring or summer.

Many students expressed excitement at the prospect of a Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. “This is what the monarchy is for,” said one Cambridge undergraduate.

She added, “The wedding will be a day of national celebration and it would be fantastic for Cambridge to have such an honour bestowed on it by having the future King and Queen as our Duke and Duchess.”

Another student wondered whether the bestowing of the title would mean possible involvement of the young royals in Cambridge life. “If they are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, is it so inconceivable that they might consider taking part in town or University events?”

However, not all students are so enthusiastic. According to one student from Pembroke College, “It won’t have any effect on Cambridge or on any of our lives.”

“I believe that the royal family is an anachronism that merely distracts us from modern problems and an escape into the bliss of our imperial past.”

Another student argued that the Cambridge title was not the most suitable one for the couple. “While it would be exciting for them to be named Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, neither William nor Kate have any connection to Cambridge,” he said.

He added, “It would be more meaningful for them, if they had a Scottish title.” Prince William and Kate Middleton met when they were both students at the University of St Andrew’s in Scotland.

The royal couple will receive a series of other titles in addition to the one given to them by the Queen on their wedding day, including Prince and Princess of Wales and Duke and Duchess of Cornwall when Charles becomes King.

The title of Duke of Cambridge is quite rare and usually used for minor royals. The first official use was in 1664, given to James Stuart, the son of the Duke of York by his first wife. However, the ill-fated royal only lived for a few months, resulting in the title becoming extinct.

The most recent Duke of Cambridge was Prince George, grandson of George III. According to historian Dr Dean Lang, Prince George was the most famous royal to hold the title. He is known to millions of people as a result of the countless pubs named after him.

Dr Lang describes him as a “bit of a stickler and a great disciplinarian.” Dr Lang added, “If anyone held back the army for 50 years, it would have been the Duke of Cambridge, I’m afraid.”

There have been some critics in the past who have doubted the suitability of Kate as a bride for William. As such, it is perhaps fitting that the previous Duke of Cambridge ignored the disapproval of the royal family towards his choice and married Sarah Fairbrother, an actress and the mother of two of his children.