In June 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announced the birth of their second child, a daughter named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. The name was publicly described as a tribute to two significant women in Prince Harry’s life: Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname was “Lilibet,” and Diana, Princess of Wales, his late mother.
This naming decision received wide media coverage and public attention due to the personal and historical significance of the name Lilibet, a childhood moniker used by the late Queen’s closest family members. According to Royal.uk, the nickname “Lilibet” originated when the Queen was a young child, unable to pronounce her own name “Elizabeth.” It was later used as a term of endearment by close relatives, including her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Official Announcement from the Sussexes
The announcement of the name was made via the Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In their public statement, the couple shared that their daughter would be called “Lili,” short for Lilibet, in honor of the Queen. The statement also acknowledged Diana’s memory, highlighting the family’s continued commitment to honoring their heritage and family bonds.
The BBC reported that Lilibet Diana was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and both mother and baby were healthy and doing well. The name announcement followed two days later, on June 6, 2021.
Conflicting Reports and Clarifications
Shortly after the name was announced, media outlets, including the BBC, published reports suggesting conflicting perspectives regarding whether the Queen had been consulted beforehand. A report from the BBC cited an unnamed Palace source claiming that the monarch was not asked for permission prior to the announcement.
However, this was strongly disputed by representatives of the Duke and Duchess. In a response issued through their law firm, Schillings, the Sussexes stated that Prince Harry had spoken with the Queen before announcing the name, and that they would not have used the name had she not been supportive.
This clarification was reported by multiple reputable news outlets, including The Guardian and Reuters, and helped address concerns about whether the couple had acted without the Queen’s knowledge. While discussions about the appropriateness of using such a deeply personal nickname continued in the public domain, no formal objection was ever issued by Buckingham Palace.
Context of the Name’s Emotional Significance
The name “Lilibet” has deep historical and emotional resonance within the royal family. According to The Telegraph, Queen Elizabeth II signed a card using the name “Lilibet” for the funeral wreath of Lord Louis Mountbatten, reflecting the personal nature of the nickname.
The use of such a name for a royal descendant — especially in the context of Prince Harry and Meghan stepping back from senior royal duties in early 2020 — drew mixed reactions. Nevertheless, the choice reflected an enduring familial connection despite the couple’s transition away from official royal responsibilities.
Following the Queen’s passing in September 2022, the emotional weight of the name Lilibet grew even further. Her death at Balmoral Castle marked the end of an era, and tributes to her legacy poured in from across the world. Within this context, the name Lilibet as chosen for the Duke and Duchess’s daughter took on added symbolic meaning.
Meghan’s Public Remarks and the Ongoing Conversation
In May 2024, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, appeared on her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, where she discussed a variety of topics including motherhood, identity, and decision-making in personal and professional life. During the episode, she shared general advice on baby naming, suggesting that expectant parents should keep their preferred names private until the child is born to avoid unsolicited opinions.
This remark, while broadly applicable advice for many parents, reignited interest in the couple’s 2021 decision to name their daughter after Queen Elizabeth II. The renewed conversation, while widely discussed in online forums and social media, did not include any new statement from the royal family or any change in the official narrative surrounding the name.
As of now, no verified report from the Palace or the Sussexes has contradicted the original claim that the Queen was informed about and did not object to the use of her nickname.
The Children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry and Meghan have two children: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born in May 2019, and Princess Lilibet Diana, born in June 2021. As confirmed by Royal.uk, both children are entitled to the titles of Prince and Princess under the Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917, which grants those titles to the male-line grandchildren of the sovereign.
The royal titles were formally recognized in 2023, following the accession of King Charles III. The website of the Royal Family updated their listings to reflect the children’s titles, referring to them as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Balancing Public Image and Private Life
Since stepping back from senior royal duties, Harry and Meghan have lived primarily in Montecito, California, and have pursued independent ventures in media, philanthropy, and public advocacy. Through partnerships with streaming platforms, podcast networks, and charitable initiatives, the couple has sought to redefine their public roles.
However, their continued connection to the royal family — particularly in areas of naming, titles, and heritage — remains a frequent subject of public and media interest. The couple’s choices, including the names of their children, often reignite public discourse, which is sometimes amplified by social media speculation or opinion-driven coverage.
It is important to underscore that the official record regarding the name Lilibet has not changed since 2021. According to statements from the Sussexes and coverage from BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters, the couple informed Queen Elizabeth II prior to the announcement, and no formal objections were raised.
Conclusion
The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan to name their daughter Lilibet Diana was intended as a tribute to family legacy and maternal strength. Despite media reports and public commentary that have surfaced since the naming, the couple’s original explanation — that the name was chosen in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, and that the Queen was informed in advance — remains the only officially substantiated account.
As the Duke and Duchess continue to raise their family and pursue public initiatives outside the royal household, their personal decisions, including baby naming, remain closely followed. However, public discussion should be rooted in verifiable information and avoid drawing conclusions unsupported by official statements or credible news sources.
Sources:
- Royal.uk
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Reuters
- The Telegraph
