Japanese zoo apologises after naming new-born baby monkey after Princess Charlotte

A zoo in Japan has been flooded with angry complaints after it named a baby monkey after Princess Charlotte.

"Charlotte" came top in a public poll to name a female macaque, beating Kei - after Japanese tennis ace Kei Nichikori - and Elsa, for a character in Disney's popular film Frozen.

The Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, in the southern city of Oita, traditionally runs a competition for the public to name the first monkey born during the year.

But members of the Japanese public have complained that the name was disrespectful to the British Royal Family.

Zoo official Akira Asano said he was not aware of any complaints from British citizens, adding that the zoo had also received support for Charlotte.

In a statement posted on its website the zoo said: "We deeply apologise for causing trouble to many people over the naming of the first baby. We take these opinions seriously."

The zoo is yet to decide whether to rename Charlotte or not, and is seeking advice from the British embassy.