It’s conceivable that Princess Lilibet remains unaware of the complex history between her parents. Born in the US, she has been shielded from her father Prince Harry’s past since his relocation with Meghan Markle to Montecito, California. This upbringing starkly contrasts with her father’s own, inviting speculation and rumors even during seemingly ordinary events.
During Lilibet’s first birthday celebration in the UK, notable absences sparked conversation. Her royal aunt and uncle, Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were noticeably absent. Despite the presence of the late Queen Elizabeth, who reportedly declined a photo opportunity with her great-granddaughter, the absence of other family members drew attention.
Following Lilibet’s birthday, public scrutiny intensified with the noted absence of William and Kate. While strained relations between the Sussexes and the Waleses were evident, public critique from Meghan’s friend toward Kate added fuel to the speculation.
On June 4, 2021, Harry and Meghan announced the joyous news of Lilibet’s birth, their second child after Archie in 2019. Despite congratulatory messages from royal family members, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, the already strained relations between the Sussexes and the Waleses continued to deteriorate.
Lilibet’s birth in the US provided a respite from the relentless scrutiny faced by her parents, allowing for a more peaceful introduction to the world. Given their residence in the US, it took time for Lilibet’s UK relatives to meet her.
At Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration in 2022, Lilibet was finally introduced to her great-grandmother. Subsequently, on June 4, 2022, her first birthday was celebrated at Frogmore Cottage, her parents’ UK base at the time.
Meghan and Harry organized a backyard picnic for their daughter’s birthday. A picture released by their friend, Misan Harriman, captured the moment, marking one of the few public images of Lilibet.
However, Queen Elizabeth reportedly refused to take a picture with Lilibet during the celebration. According to reports, this decision stemmed from a “lack of trust” toward Harry and Meghan following their interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier that year.
Reports claim that only Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips’ children attended the party, as Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children opted not to attend. This decision, along with Meghan’s friend Garcelle Beauvais branding Kate’s absence as “shady,” further fueled tensions within the family.
Family feuds are never simple, especially when children are involved, and the complexities seem to persist despite efforts to shield Lilibet from them.
Harry’s separation from his nephews and niece due to the ongoing “battle of the brothers” and his relocation to the US with Meghan has left him deeply saddened, according to royal biographer Tom Quinn. The lack of connection between Harry and his cousins, as well as the limited interaction between his own children and their cousins, weighs heavily on him. Harry expressed a hope that as adults, the cousins can at least be friends, though the path to achieving this remains unclear while tensions persist.
On June 4, 2024, Princess Lilibet celebrated her third birthday. While her first birthday was marked in the UK and her second in California with a “celeb-packed all-American bash,” this year’s celebration took a quieter turn.
As reported by People Magazine, the festivities kicked off with a pre-birthday gathering over the weekend at Harry and Meghan’s Montecito mansion. Close friends, family, and some of Lili’s friends joined in the celebration.
Harry and Meghan have kept their children, Archie and Lilibet, largely out of the public eye. However, during a recent visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, Meghan shared some endearing insights about Lilibet. She revealed that Lili’s favorite class was singing and dancing, and shared a heartwarming moment when Lili expressed seeing herself in her mother.
While the Sussexes have been protective of their children’s privacy, there are indications that this approach might shift. According to royal expert Tom Quinn, they are considering including Archie and Lilibet in future public appearances during their travels abroad. This move could attract the positive publicity they seek as they navigate their roles as public figures and entrepreneurs.
As Harry and Meghan continue to carve out their roles in the public sphere, the contrast with Kate and William’s approach becomes more apparent. The question remains: should Harry and Meghan maintain their children’s privacy, or is integrating them into public life a strategic move? Your thoughts are welcome!
