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The Sussexes

Recollections once again vary as Harry & Meghan deny not informing The Queen of Lilibet’s naming

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have denied reports they didn’t speak to The Queen about their decision to call their daughter Lilibet before making their choice public.

The BBC said that the couple announced their decision before Palace officials were informed.

Harry and Meghan’s office said that the first person they spoke to about their announcement was The Queen. During the conversation, the Duke ”shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour.” The spokesperons added that the couple wouldn’t have used the name had Her Majesty not been supportive.

However, unnamed officials at Buckingham Palace denied that, saying the Queen wasn’t asked about the couple’s decision.

Lilibet is the nickname the Queen gave herself when she was a toddler and unable to pronounce her own name of Elizabeth. Her family liked it so much, it was always used by them as well as by the Queen herself. The wreaths she placed on both her father and mother’s coffins were signed ‘’Lilibet’.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of their daughter, along with her name, on June 6th 2021. Within hours, Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying that ‘The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted with the news.’

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4th 2021 in California, weighing 7lbs 11oz. She will be known as Lili by her family. She is eighth in line to the throne and an eleventh great grandchild for the Queen.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.