PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have welcomed baby number two, with the couple confirming in a statement that their daughter Lilibet “Lili” Diana arrived on 4 June.
While Lilibet’s middle name Diana is an obvious nod to Harry’s late mother the Princess of Wales, fans of the Royals will know that her first name, Lilibet, is also a tribute to Harry’s grandmother The Queen.
According to a statement released by the family to confirm Lili’s arrival, the newborn’s full name Lilibet was The Queen’s family nickname and the name Prince Philip used to call her.
Royal expert, Duncan Larcombe, suggests that Harry and Meghan choosing Lilibet for their daughter is a “major olive branch” from them to the Royal family.
Tensions have mounted between the Royals, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from the Royal family, their move to the US and their tell-all two hour interview that aired back in March with Oprah Winfrey.
In the interview, Harry spoke about his strained relationship with dad Prince Charles and claimed the Palace showed “total neglect” for his mental health woes.
Speaking to Oprah, he stated he has “too much” respect for his grandmother – Larcombe insists to Fabulous Digital that Harry’s nod to The Queen with his baby girl’s moniker is the “most royal of names”.
He claims: “By choosing the childhood name of the Queen, Harry and Meghan have given their daughter the most royal of names.
“To many such a specific nod to Her Majesty will be seen as the first major olive branch offered by the Sussexes since Mexit. A sign perhaps Harry and Meghan are eager to build bridges.”
Larcombe adds: “The question really is are there and bridges left to build?
The damage is done, and it’s sadly going to take a lot more from the Sussexes before any healing of the feud can begin.”
Harry and Meghan confirmed their daughter’s arrival two days after her birth.
They shared a statement on their Archewell website that read: “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.”
It continued: “Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”
Harry and Meghan also asked for anyone wishing to send a gift to their daughter to instead “support or learn more” about organisations working for women and girls.
Lili is The Queen’s 11th great-grandchild, joining her older brother Archie, two, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s brood; George, Charlotte and Louis.
She currently sits eighth in line to the throne, just behind big brother Archie who is seventh in the line of succession and dad Harry who is sixth.
However, Lili is not entitled, at this stage, to be an HRH or a princess due to rules set out more than 100 years ago by George V.
She can, however, become a Lady – although Harry and Meghan will likely style their second-born a Miss, as they did with Master Archie, using the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
For more Royal Family news, here’s how Meghan and Harry confirmed the arrival of their daughter, following her birth.
Plus, find out exactly where everyone sits in the Royal Line of Succession, now Lilibet has been born.
And who will Lilibet’s godparents be? From Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pal Oprah to other A-list celebs they might choose.
