A Californian Welcome and a Meaningful Name
Born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, Lilibet's arrival was met with joy and well wishes from around the globe. Weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz. at 11:40 a.m., she joined her older brother, Prince Archie Harrison, who was born in May 2019. The couple announced her birth on their Archewell website, expressing their gratitude for the love and prayers they had received.
The choice of Lilibet's name holds profound significance, honoring two pivotal women in Prince Harry's life. Her first name, "Lilibet," is a cherished family nickname for her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, a name affectionately used by her father, King George VI, and her husband, Prince Philip. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ensured they had Queen Elizabeth's approval before using the moniker, with a spokesperson confirming that Harry consulted his grandmother, who was supportive of their choice. Her middle name, "Diana," pays tribute to her beloved late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Furthermore, "Lili" also serves as a subtle nod to Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who gave Meghan the childhood nickname "Flower."
Royal Titles and the Line of Succession
Upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne, Lilibet, along with her brother Archie, became eligible for the titles of Prince and Princess. This change is in accordance with a 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, which grants such titles to the grandchildren of the monarch's sons in the direct male line. While these titles are understood to be used in more formal contexts rather than everyday settings, in February 2024, Lili officially became Princess Lilibet of Sussex, a development that saw her parents adopt "Sussex" as the family's last name.
Princess Lilibet currently stands seventh in line to the British throne, following her father, Prince Harry, who is fifth, and her brother, Prince Archie, who is sixth. This order is subject to change with the births of any future children to Prince William and Kate Middleton.
American-Born Royal and Godfatherly Bonds
Lilibet's birth in Santa Barbara made her a historical figure in the British Royal Family. While not the first royal baby born in America (Lord Frederick Windsor's daughter, Maud Windsor, was also born in California in 2013), Lilibet holds the distinction of being the first great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and the first grandchild of King Charles III to be born on American soil.
Adding to her unique story, it was revealed in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan that Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry was asked by the couple to be Lili's godfather. Perry, who offered the Sussexes his California home during their transition after stepping back from royal duties, shared his honor and surprise at the request.
Developmental Milestones and a Strong "Ginger Gene"
The world first caught a fleeting glimpse of Lili on the family's 2021 holiday card. However, it was her first birthday portrait that truly showcased her striking resemblance to her father, particularly her red hair. Prince Harry lightheartedly joked about the "ginger gene" being "very, very strong," a trait inherited from his mother's side of the family, the Spencers. He had previously mused that his wife's genes might overcome his own, but conceded he was "wrong!"
Lilibet's early developmental milestones have also been shared by her proud parents. Prince Harry revealed in April 2022 that Lili took her first steps around 10 months old, while Meghan confirmed in November 2022 that she was officially walking. Her "current priorities," according to her father, included "trying to keep up with her brother."
Special Bonds with Royal Grandparents
Despite the well-documented strained relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan and the wider Royal Family, the couple has expressed their desire for their children to have connections with Harry's relatives. "I've said before that I've wanted a family, not an institution — so of course, I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy," Harry stated in a 2023 PEOPLE cover story.
Lilibet's introduction to her namesake and great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, happened shortly after her birth via a video call, underscoring the close bond Harry shared with his grandmother. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth met her great-granddaughter in person during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Harry affectionately recalled this visit in his memoir, Spare, picturing his children with "Granny," who was "bemused" by their "American" demeanor, perhaps expecting them to be more rambunctious.
A Celebration of Four Years
To commemorate Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday, Meghan Markle shared new, previously unseen photos on Instagram. One heartwarming image showed mother and daughter snuggled together on a boat, while another appeared to be taken shortly after Lili's birth, with her resting on her mom's chest. "Happy birthday to our beautiful girl!" Meghan wrote. "Four years ago today she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!" A separate post featured photos of Harry with a newborn Lili and the two walking together on the sand, with Meghan captioning it, "The sweetest bond to watch unfold 💕 Daddy’s little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!" These glimpses into their family life underscore the joy and love that define the Sussexes' journey with their two cherished children.