When Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced the birth of their daughter in June 2021, the world held its breath, waiting for the name. Royal baby names always generate immense speculation, often reflecting deep ties to centuries of tradition. But when the name was revealed—Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor—I, like many, felt a rush of emotion. It was a name that managed to be profoundly traditional yet surprisingly personal, honoring two of the most significant women in Harry’s life.
The choice of “Lilibet” immediately rooted the newborn in the deepest strata of royal history, while “Diana” assured her place in the public’s heart. Yet, the name also sparked intense debate about privacy, permission, and the complicated relationship between the Sussexes and the institution they stepped back from.
I find the story behind Lilibet – both the nickname and the child – utterly fascinating, a perfect intersection of personal affection and historical weight. Join me as I unpack the profound meaning and the surprising controversy surrounding the name of the youngest high-profile member of the British royal family.
The Historical Charm of “Lilibet”
Before Lilibet Diana arrived, the name “Lilibet” belonged exclusively to one person: Queen Elizabeth II.
The nickname originated in a truly charming, accidental way. When the future Queen Elizabeth II was a toddler, she reportedly struggled to pronounce her own name, “Elizabeth.” Her grandfather, King George V, found her attempts endearing, hearing the syllables “Lilibet.” The name stuck and became a deeply intimate term used only by her closest family members, especially her parents, sister (Princess Margaret), and her husband (Prince Philip).
To the rest of the world, she was Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II; but in the private confines of Balmoral or Windsor, she was simply Lilibet.
For me, this historical context is critical. It underscores that Prince Harry and Meghan’s choice was not merely a formal nod to the Queen, but an invocation of the Queen’s personal identity—a choice symbolizing the deep, affectionate bond Harry always shared with his grandmother.
Lilibet Diana: Honoring Two Legacies
The full name, Lilibet Diana, is a beautiful tapestry woven from love and remembrance.
Lilibet: A Nod to the Monarchy
Choosing Lilibet as the primary name was clearly the Sussexes’ way of paying their ultimate tribute to the reigning monarch. It was a gesture of respect and affection for Prince Harry’s grandmother, a figure he always spoke of with profound warmth.
Diana: Echoing the People’s Princess
The middle name, Diana, needs no introduction. It honors Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana remains one of the most beloved and impactful figures in recent history, and her legacy of humanitarian work and compassion continues to define modern royalty. By using this name, Harry ensured his daughter would carry a piece of his mother’s enduring spirit.
As a combination, Lilibet Diana bridges the past and the present, linking the enduring strength of the crown with the revolutionary compassion of the People’s Princess.
The Weight of a Monarch’s Name
When discussing the significance of the choice, royal experts often highlight the rare opportunity to use such a personal name. As royal biographer Ingrid Seward once noted: “A royal name is never just a name; it is a commitment to a legacy. To use a nickname known only to the closest family shows the deep bond of affection, but also places an enormous weight of expectation and history upon the child’s shoulders.”
The Controversy: Permission and Privacy
Despite the beautiful intention, the announcement of Lilibet’s name was met almost immediately with media friction. The central question that dominated headlines was whether Prince Harry and Meghan had officially sought the Queen’s explicit permission to use her deeply personal nickname.
Reports suggested differing narratives. Some sources claimed the Queen was informed but not formally asked for permission, while others insisted the Queen gave her blessing and was delighted by the choice. The Sussex camp steadfastly maintained that they would not have used the name unless the Queen had been fully supportive.
This incident perfectly illustrates the tension inherent in the couple’s post-royal life. They want to maintain their deeply personal family connections while also protecting their privacy from institutional scrutiny. The naming of Lilibet, intended as a private act of homage, became a public skirmish over communication and protocol.
Lilibet Diana’s Royal Status
Despite the fact that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer senior working royals, Lilibet Diana retains her place in the line of succession. Her official status, along with her older brother Archie, has been a topic of much discussion, particularly concerning their titles.
Here is a quick look at Lilibet Diana’s key details:
Detail Description
Full Name Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
Date of Birth June 4, 2021
Place of Birth Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, California, USA
Parents Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Current Title Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor (Until the reign changes)
Line of Succession 7th in line (as of early 2023, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II)
The Title Question
Under the rules established by King George V in 1917, only the children of the sovereign and the grandchildren in the male line are automatically due the title of Prince or Princess.
However, since her grandfather, King Charles III, has ascended the throne, both Archie and Lilibet are technically entitled to be known as Prince and Princess, and addressed as His Royal Highness (HRH) or Her Royal Highness (HRH).
In March 2023, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the children would be officially known as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This recognition marks an important shift, solidifying their place within the royal family structure, even as they grow up primarily in California.
Why the Name Lilibet Resonates Today
The choice of Lilibet Diana isn’t just about history; it speaks volumes about the Sussexes’ vision for their children’s future. It suggests an approach to parenting that blends respect for heritage with a fierce commitment to individuality and independence.
When I reflect on the naming decision, I see several key factors at play:
Affection over Protocol: The use of a nickname over a more traditional formal name (like Anne or Victoria) prioritized personal love and emotion over strict royal protocol.
A Dual Heritage: The name Lilibet Diana ensures she connects equally to the British monarchy and to her mother’s American heritage and her parents’ current life in California.
Unifying Legacy: By combining the names of Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, the Sussexes attempted to bridge the historical gap and reconcile the two most important female figures in Harry’s early life.
Celebrating Matriarchs: The name is an absolute celebration of strong, influential women, something I truly appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Was Lilibet Diana the first royal named Diana?
A: Princess Lilibet Diana is the first direct descendant of the Queen to carry the name Diana as a primary or middle name. While Diana is not an uncommon name, its use here is specifically a tribute to the late Princess of Wales.
Q2: Why were Archie and Lilibet not automatically called a Prince and Princess at birth?
A: Under King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent, children of the sovereign’s sons (grandchildren) are entitled to the HRH titles. Since Archie and Lilibet were born when Queen Elizabeth II was the sovereign (the rules applied to great-grandchildren), they were not entitled to the titles initially. However, upon the accession of their grandfather, King Charles III, they automatically became entitled to be known as Prince and Princess.
Q3: How is the name Lilibet pronounced?
A: The name is pronounced exactly as it is spelled: Lil-ih-bet.
Q4: Does Lilibet have a nickname?
A: Yes, her parents often refer to her affectionately by the shortened version of her name, “Lili.”
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor carries a name that is both a heavy piece of history and a light declaration of love. I believe her name is a perfect metaphor for her life: rooted in the world’s most famous monarchy, yet destined to grow up with the freedom and privacy of a Californian childhood. It is a name that promises great things, and I, for one, can’t wait to see the woman she becomes as she steps into the remarkable legacy of Lilibet and Diana.