A WOMAN has revealed she too was named after The Queen, like Harry and Meghan’s daughter Lilibet, but claims the moniker gave her “bad nicknames” and she is forever correcting people who say it wrong.
American director, producer and writer Lilibet Foster has carried the unique name for more than 50 years – and now she’s revealed some of the issues with the royal moniker.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their daughter Lilibet Diana on June 4, honouring both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana with the special name, as Lilibet is the Queen’s nickname.
Speaking to news.com.au, Ms Foster expressed her thoughts on the incredibly unique name, and how it’s almost impossible for people to pronounce it properly.
“Choosing a name for your child is a big commitment,” she said.
“There are those parents who want a completely unique name that few others will have, and those who don’t want a name too unusual for fear that their child will be teased.
“My husband and I had this debate when we named our son.
“Having always had a unique name, I love it.
“I’ve never met another Lilibet and have always enjoyed explaining that I’m named after Queen Elizabeth II and her nickname.
“Sure, hardly anyone pronounces my name correctly, I’ve spent a lot of time spelling it, and I’ve been called several bad and embarrassing nicknames.
“But, it has been especially handy because I’m the only director (or person) in the entertainment business with the name.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll regret it a little if it suddenly becomes popular, but I’m thrilled that the Royal Family has finally used their own name.”
Meghan and Harry packed a lot into the name of their newborn daughter.
“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet,” a statement from the couple’s press secretary said.
“Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honour her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”
The death of Princess Diana in 1997, when Harry and William were 12 and 15 years old, left the brothers with deep emotional scars.
As for Lilibet, it was the name Prince Philip used to call The Queen.
It originated from her childhood nickname going back to when she was too young to pronounce her own name, calling herself “Lilibet” instead.
Her family quickly took up the name. Her father, George VI, was once quoted using it saying: “Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy.”
William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also named their daughter after her grandmother and great-grandmother. Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, younger sister to Prince George, turned six last month.
Lili, who was born on 4 June at 11.40am in Santa Barbara, California, will be little sister to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned two in May.
The Queen was “delighted” following news of the birth of her grandson Harry’s daughter, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news of the birth of a daughter for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” a palace spokeswoman said.
According to Page Six, the couple have used their baby’s name in a clear bid to strengthen family ties.
This article was originally published on News.com.au and has been republished here with permission.
For more Royal Family news, see the Queen’s touching nod to Prince Philip in first engagement since Meghan and Harry announce birth of baby Lili.
Plus, a royal expert claims Harry and Meghan naming their daughter after The Queen is a “major olive branch”.
And find out exactly where everyone sits in the Royal Line of Succession, now Lilibet has been born.
