Lilibet was named after the Queen, whose childhood nickname was also Lilibet. Many close family members still call her by her petname.
Editor's note: This article was first published on June 7, 2022. It has since been updated.
Queen Elizabeth's great-granddaughter celebrated her first birthday earlier this year and many are already drawing parallels between the two. Lilibet turned one in June, and her parents Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a new photo of their daughter, evoking memories of a young Queen Elizabeth. Lilibet is a spitting image of her great-grandmother. The photo was taken at Lili's birthday party during an intimate backyard picnic at her family's home in the UK, Frogmore Cottage, by photographer Misan Harriman. He also took Meghan and Harry's maternity photos when they were expecting Lili, reported PEOPLE. In the picture, with her red hair that she inherited from her father, Lilibet can be seen smiling while sitting on the grass. The Queen also wished Lilibet on the latter's first birthday.
It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around ❤️🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/bg3RY6MOEu
— Misan Harriman (@misanharriman) June 6, 2022
Lilibet's full name is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, named after her grandmother Princess Diana, and her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet. The name is close to Queen Elizabeth as her father, King George VI, adoringly called her Lilibet. He once said of his two daughters, "Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy." Many close royal family members including her late husband Prince Philip called her by her pet name.
At the time of naming, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly spoke to the Queen and shared their intention of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor. "The Duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement, in fact, his grandmother was the first family member he called. He shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor during that conversation. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name," a source told PEOPLE.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended Trooping the Colour and Friday's thanksgiving service in honor of the Queen at St. Paul's Cathedral during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations but returned to their home in California shortly after. Many speculated that the rift between Prince Harry and Prince Charles was the reason the couple didn't attend the Platinum Party at the Palace.
She's here! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's second child, Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, has arrived ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vxifS6q5ZR
— InStyle (@InStyle) June 6, 2021
The Queen is believed to be close to Archie and often video chats with him since the couple moved to California in 2020. Many wished Lilibet a happy birthday. Harry and Meghan said they were “incredibly touched by the countless birthday wishes for their daughter.” They were also “amazed” after finding out people around the world made donations in her honor of more than $100,000 (£80,000) to the World Central Kitchen, an initiative that provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises like that in Ukraine.
The Queen passed away from old age on September 8, 2022, at her home in Scotland.
References:
https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-lilibet-side-by-side-photos-age-1/
Cover Image source: Left: Twitter/misanharriman; Right: Getty Images | Photo by Topical Press Agency
