Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor is the second child and only daughter of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She is a member of the British royal family and younger sister to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
Her Full Name and Its Significance
Lilibet Diana’s full name carries deep personal and historical significance. “Lilibet” is a tribute to her paternal great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose childhood nickname it was. The middle name, “Diana,” honors Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, reflecting a desire to celebrate her legacy. Together, these names blend tradition with personal remembrance. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their daughter would be known as “Lili” for short.
Birth and Early Life
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021, at 11:40 AM PDT, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. This made her the first British royal in her direct line of succession born in the United States. Her parents announced her arrival two days later. Weighing 7 pounds and 11 ounces at birth, Lilibet joined her older brother, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, completing the family of four.
Royal Lineage and Succession
Lilibet Diana is seventh in line to the British throne, following her father, Prince Harry, and her older brother, Prince Archie. Her position shifted when her grandfather, King Charles III, ascended the throne in September 2022.
Under rules established by King George V in 1917, children and grandchildren of a sovereign are entitled to the title of Prince or Princess. Consequently, Lilibet became entitled to use the title “Princess” and the style “Royal Highness” upon her grandfather’s accession. Her royal title was publicly confirmed by her parents’ spokesperson in March 2023, during her christening announcement. The official royal website was updated to reflect her title as “Princess Lilibet of Sussex” shortly thereafter.
Public Profile and Privacy
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex prioritize the privacy of their children, including Lilibet Diana. They aim to provide her with a childhood as normal as possible, away from intense public scrutiny. This approach has resulted in a limited number of public appearances or official photographs of Lilibet.
While glimpses of Lilibet are rare, her parents occasionally share personal moments, such as family Christmas cards or brief appearances in documentaries. The decision to maintain a high degree of privacy stems from their experiences with public interest.