Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s newborn daughter’s name has, naturally, been making headlines since it was revealed on June 6. The couple recently announced the birth of their second child, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, who was born on Friday, June 4.
That name honors Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Diana: Lilibet is a family nickname for the queen, and Lili’s middle name is a tribute to Prince Harry’s mom, who passed away in 1997.
A recent BBC report alleged that the Sussexes didn’t consult the queen about their plan to name their daughter after her. This news came from a source within Buckingham Palace but was quickly disputed in a statement.
“The Duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement, in fact his grandmother was the first family member he called,” a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told People in a statement.
“During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.”
The news of Lili’s birth was released in a statement on June 6. “Lili was born on Friday, June 4, at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA,” that birth announcement read, per People.
“She weighed 7 lb. 11 oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home. Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”
That statement concluded, “This is the second child for the couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their own statement as well on the Archewell website, writing, “On June 4th, 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.”
Congrats to the new family of four!