Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter, Princess Lilibet, recently celebrated her third birthday. However, none of the royal family were among the guests. The grand celebration took place over the weekend at their Montecito, California home.
According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex invited only their closest friends to join in the festivities for their daughter’s special day. However, this absence didn’t stop her grandfather, King Charles, from being part of her special day.
Royal expert Tom Quinn, said King Charles sent his granddaughter a special gift. Quinn revealed that King Charles had no intentions of ignoring Lilibet’s birthday. He ensured she received a present along with a heartfelt message.
King Charles at Lancaster House on July 14, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, he said the monarch had reserved a special gift for Lilibet when the royal feud ended. Tom noted King Charles had previously given Prince George a handmade wooden swing engraved with his name. He further stated that the King planned to gift Lilibet something similar.
However, King Charles’ thoughtful gesture sparked a flurry of reactions online. The gesture prompted many netizens to share their diverse opinions. One user urged, “His Majesty is a parent and grandparent. He should end this rift… take the high road and be an example, Charles.”
King Charles and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Natural History Museum on April 04, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Another expressed sympathy, writing, “Very sad for Charles, but not his fault. Harry will come back to us because he will find that he isn’t loved for himself but as a stepping stone.” The emotional responses continued, with one commenter lamenting, “It’s all so very sad! Especially for all the children involved!”
The comments section buzzed with suggestions and sentiments such as: “Go visit her,” “He must miss his grandchildren so much xxx [sic],” and “He’s the King! Son should bring his children to him.” Other comments highlighted the complex emotions and differing perspectives surrounding the royal family’s strained relationships.
Prince Harry and King Charles, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 9, 2015, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite Princess Lilibet turning three on June 4, 2024, her parents, Prince Harry and Meghan, had already kicked off the celebrations early. Over the weekend, the royal couple hosted a lavish pre-birthday party at their Montecito mansion.
The star-studded guest list reportedly included celebrities like pop sensation Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the festivities.
Princess Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, at a Santa Barbara hospital in California. Her arrival came after her parents stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family and relocated to the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced Lilibet’s birth on their Archwell Foundation website.
The couple revealed that her first name honors Queen Elizabeth II’s family nickname. Additionally, her middle name, Diana, pays tribute to her late grandmother, Princess Diana. They affectionately call her Lili.
Princess Lilibet, dated March 9, 2023 | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition
“Lilibet” was a cherished nickname used by Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI. It was carried on by close family members like the Queen’s late husband, Prince Philip, and her cousin, Princess Alexandra.
Given Harry and Meghan’s move to California and their distancing from the Royal Family, there was public speculation. Many asked whether they sought Queen Elizabeth’s blessing before naming their daughter after her. According to the couple’s spokesperson, the name was given with the Queen’s consent.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Princess Lilibet, dated December 8, 2022 | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition
Harry and Meghan were persistent about honoring the Queen. They reflected the close relationship they had cherished over the years. Therefore, naming their daughter Lilibet was a heartfelt tribute to the monarch’s enduring legacy and their familial bonds.
Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor first met her father’s side of the family during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The occasion coincided with Lilibet’s first birthday on June 4, 2022. Still, the family held an intimate backyard picnic at Frogmore Cottage to mark the milestone.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released new photos from Lilibet’s birthday party. The photos showcased the casual, heartwarming backyard celebration with close family and friends. Despite being invited, Prince William and his family didn’t attend due to prior commitments for the Queen’s Jubilee.
The released photos delighted netizens, offering a rare glimpse of Lilibet. Social media buzzed with comments about her appearance. One fan remarked, “I can’t believe how hard [Prince Harry’s] genes beat [Meghan] up.” Another observed, “You see Harry as a baby in Lilibet Diana, but I see Meghan as a baby with ginger hair.”
Royal Family fans even dug up old photos of Princess Diana, comparing them to Lilibet’s new pictures. They posted images of a young Diana, highlighting her ginger hair and drawing parallels with Lilibet. One fan concluded, “Lilibet is her grandma [Diana’s] twin,” underscoring the striking family resemblance.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Merkur Spiel-Arena on September 16, 2023, in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Harry and Meghan also celebrated their son Archie’s 5th birthday a month before Lili’s in May. According to royal expert Tom, the couple opted for a low-key, private party featuring simple games, ice cream, and cake.
Tom noted that while Meghan enjoys organizing birthday parties for her children. He also said she prefers to keep them private, aiming to provide her kids with ordinary, grounded experiences.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. | Source: Getty Images
Born in London on May 6, 2019, Archie has lived in the US since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals. His recent birthday celebration was a small, intimate affair with a few friends from his school. Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and a few celebrities were also present.
The festivities at their £11 million Montecito home included only Archie’s grandmother, Doria, and Meghan’s close friend, Victoria Jackson. Meghan added a personal touch by baking a lemon cake for Archie using fruit from their garden. The house was cheerfully decorated with balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere.
Prince Harry, Meghan and their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London on May 8, 2019. | Getty Images
Meghan seamlessly blends her global significance with a desire to give her children ordinary experiences. This unique approach ensures that while Archie and Lilibet are aware of their heritage, they also enjoy the simple joys of life.
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