PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to both the Queen and Princess Diana with their daughter’s name, but it appears there’s a secret nod to Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland too.
Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born at 11.40am on Friday in California, and the new bub shares Her Majesty’s family nickname.
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The Queen was given her nickname, Lilibet, by her grandad King George V, who joked that she couldn’t pronounce her name Elizabeth as a child.
Prince Philip also called his wife the Queen the same sweet name for more than 70 years — while the middle name, Diana, is a tribute to Harry’s mum.
But it’s been suggested by journalist Afua Adom that the baby’s name also has another hidden reference to Meghan’s own mum Doria.
Speaking on this Good Morning Britian today, and joined by royal biographer Angela Levin, Afua said: “Lilibet is such a pretty name, it’s such a cute name. It is not just about being named after the Queen.
“It is a bit of a nod to Meghan’s mother Doria as well, because Meghan’s mother’s nickname for her is flower, hence why we’ve got Lili in there for Lilibet.”
But host Susanna Reid didn’t seem convinced, instead saying it was “a bit of a stretch.”
Angela, however, blasted the choice of name, calling the it “rude” and “demeaning” towards the Queen.
She told Good Morning Britain: “I don’t think it’s a good idea – I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen.
“It was a very private nickname from her husband who hasn’t been dead for very long.
“Prince Charles would never dream of calling his mother Lilibet.”
Some royal experts said the choice of Lilibet may be an olive branch to the Royal Family after recent controversies.
What’s more, avid royal fans predicted the sweet moniker back in APRIL, following the loss of Prince Philip.
Harry and Meghan announced the news on Sunday in a statement published on their Archewell website after the now mum-of-two gave birth at the Santa Barbara hospital.
It said: “On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.
“She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe.
“Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”
The Queen, Prince William, and Kate Middleton have since congratulated Meghan and Harry on the birth of their daughter.
Her Majesty and the royals said they were “delighted” at the news and made a touching tribute to the couple and their baby girl.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tweeted: “We are all delighted by the happy news of the arrival of baby Lili.
“Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and Archie.”
In more Royal Family news, this is the adorable nickname Prince Philip’s mum used in loving letters to the Duke revealed – and it will melt your heart.
Here is how Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor will grow up with Orlando Bloom & Serena Williams’ kids – instead of UK cousins.
