On what would have been her 97th birthday, the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II resonates in the hearts of her family and the broader nation. One poignant aspect of her final years includes the brief yet significant encounter with her great-granddaughter, Princess Lilibet. This meeting, which took place during the summer of 2022, was notably the only time the Queen and Lilibet were introduced before her passing on September 8, 2022.
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Royal biographer Robert Hardman sheds light on this moment in his newly released book, *Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. Her Story*. The biography reflects on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which marked her remarkable 70 years on the throne. As part of these significant events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a notable return to the UK after stepping back from their royal duties and relocating to California two years prior. They brought their children, including Princess Lilibet, who was then just one year old.
Hardman reveals that this meeting filled the Queen with joy as Lilibet crawled at her feet, bringing a sense of familial warmth to an otherwise ceremonial occasion. “The Queen was thrilled, say friends,” Hardman notes, recalling the joyful atmosphere of the gathering.
Prince Harry also reminisced about this cherished moment in his 2023 memoir, *Spare*. He described how the memory of that meeting played over in his mind following his grandmother’s death. “I couldn’t stop picturing [the children] with Granny. The final visit,” he wrote, capturing the innocence and charm of his children during their encounter with the monarch. He vividly recalled his son, Archie, making deep, respectful bows, while Lilibet clung lovingly to the Queen’s legs.
In his reflective narrative, Harry shared a candid remark from his grandmother, who described his children as “the sweetest,” feeling bemused by their antics. The Queen had anticipated a more boisterous interaction, perhaps expecting more typical American behaviour. This touching anecdote underscores the intimate and playful side of the Queen that was often overshadowed by her imposing public persona.
The fleeting encounter with Lilibet stands as a highlight in Queen Elizabeth’s later years, being the sole opportunity for her to connect with her namesake great-grandchild. Prior to her death, she held a wistful desire for all her great-grandchildren to visit her at Balmoral Castle that summer, creating cherished memories together, as shared by one of her family friends in Hardman’s book. “She wanted to make sure that they all had a really happy memory of her,” the friend disclosed.
The late monarch’s family tree has continued to grow, as during her lifetime, she was a great-grandmother to 12 children, including the offspring of Prince William and Kate Middleton—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Since her passing, the joy of new life has introduced two more great-grandchildren into the family: Princess Eugenie’s son, Ernest, and Princess Beatrice’s daughter, Athena.
Harry’s memoir also recalls lighter moments spent with the Queen, showcasing a side of her that was relatable and humorous. He talks about playful interactions during royal engagements, where he would often invoke laughter from her—an aspect of their relationship that added personal depth to their familial bond. “She was a natural comedienne,” he fondly recounted.
Both Hardman and Harry’s reflections paint a picture of a loving grandmother who valued moments of joy and laughter, revealing a side of the Queen that many did not see. The warmth and affection she had for her family was evident, even within the constraints of her royal duties.
As the family commemorates Queen Elizabeth II today, her legacy continues to inspire and resonate, particularly through the memories she fostered as a beloved matriarch. Her desire for her great-grandchildren to remember her fondly remains a testament to her commitment to family values and connections, even amid the ceremonial responsibilities that defined her historic reign.