Princess Lilibet, the daughter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has recently celebrated her fourth birthday. The young royal, also known as Lili, was born in June 2021, making her the second child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following her older brother Archie Harrison, born in May 2019. Meghan Markle, during a podcast episode in November 2022, mentioned the challenges of raising two toddlers simultaneously, while Prince Harry expressed his joy and fulfillment in being a father and having the responsibility of caring for his children.
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Despite the complex relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family, Harry and Meghan have expressed their desire for their children to maintain a close connection with their relatives. Prince Harry emphasized in a 2023 cover story with PEOPLE that he values his children having relationships with members of his family. Princess Lilibet holds a special place in the family as the youngest grandchild of King Charles, and her parents hope she and Archie can foster meaningful bonds with their extended royal family members.
Born in Santa Barbara, California, Princess Lilibet was welcomed into the world at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital on June 4, 2021. Weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz., Lili’s arrival was met with warmth and congratulations from not only her immediate family but also from members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton. The couple shared that Lilibet’s name carries significant meaning, paying homage to Queen Elizabeth with her family nickname Lilibet and honoring Princess Diana with her middle name. The couple sought and received Queen Elizabeth’s approval before naming their daughter.
With the titles of prince and princess bestowed upon them by virtue of being grandchildren of the monarch, Princess Lilibet and her brother Archie hold places in the line of succession to the British throne. Despite their royal status, the titles are primarily used in formal settings rather than everyday life. Lili is the first grandchild of King Charles to be born in the United States, as Harry and Meghan made the decision to reside in California after stepping back as working royals.
It was revealed that filmmaker Tyler Perry had the honor of being chosen as Lilibet’s godfather, a decision that was made by Harry and Meghan. Furthermore, Lili’s physical traits, such as her red hair inherited from her father and shared with her brother, have been noted by the family. Her milestones, including taking her first steps around ten months old, have been joyfully shared by her parents, who openly express their pride and love for their children.
Princess Lilibet’s interactions with her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth were cherished moments for the family, indicating the special bond they shared. Lili’s birthday was recently commemorated by Meghan Markle with a series of heartfelt Instagram posts featuring unseen photos of the young princess with her parents. These posts celebrate the joy and brightness that Lilibet has brought into their lives, highlighting the special moments shared as a family. As the young royal continues to grow and develop, she remains a beloved member of the Sussex family, surrounded by love, support, and connections to her royal heritage.