Japan: Zoo apologises for naming monkey after Kate Middleton's new baby Princess Charlotte

A zoo in southern Japan has apologized for naming a baby monkey Charlotte soon after the British princess was born.

According to the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden in Oita Prefecture, southern Japan, the name was selected after inviting visitors to vote.

It is a tradition of the zoo to invite visitors to name the first newborn of the year.

The monkey was born a day after Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on Wednesday (29 April).

"The name was publicly solicited and Charlotte suddenly became the most popular choice – with 59 votes out of the total 853 – after the British baby princess's name was announced," a zoo official told AFP News, reported The Guardian.

"There was no vote for Charlotte before the Monday night announcement."

Other close favourites, included Disney's 'Elsa' and Kei, inspired by Japanese tennis player Kei Nichikori ranked no. 5 in the world.

The zoo has been forced to rethink the baby monkey's name after several people complained the name disrespected newborn Princess Charlotte.

"Since we announced the name we've been receiving calls and emails from people mostly complaining that it is rude to British people," said the zoo official.

"This morning a TV commentator said he thinks it is all right, but most voices are against the idea."

A statement posted on the zoo's website read, reported ITV: "We deeply apologise for causing trouble to many people over the naming of the first baby. We take these opinions seriously."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William, were unavailable for comment.