Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has been a subject of global attention since her birth in June 2021. As the granddaughter of King Charles III and the younger sibling of Prince Archie, Lilibet holds a unique place in the British royal family.
While her parents stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States, their children remain members of the royal lineage. In early 2023, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry and Meghan’s children would use the titles of Prince and Princess, in line with royal tradition once their grandfather ascended the throne.
Despite their royal heritage, Harry and Meghan have been consistent in their message: their children deserve to grow up in a safe, private, and loving environment.
Birth and Heritage
Princess Lilibet Diana was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, making her one of the few members of the royal family to be born in the United States. Her name carries deep family significance:
- Lilibet is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who was affectionately called “Lilibet” by close family members throughout her life.
- Diana honors Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, whose legacy of compassion continues to resonate around the world.
Lilibet is currently eighth in line to the British throne, following her older brother Archie.
Royal Titles and Recognition
For nearly two years after their birth, Archie and Lilibet were styled simply as Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
However, in March 2023, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed that their children would adopt the titles Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in accordance with the rules set out by King George V in 1917.Buckingham Palace updated its official line of succession page shortly afterward, recognizing the change. This acknowledgment underscored the fact that, despite Harry and Meghan’s different path, their children remain part of the royal family.
Life in the United States
Unlike many of their royal relatives, Archie and Lilibet are being raised away from the spotlight of royal duties. After stepping back from official roles in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito, California, where they focus on philanthropic work through the Archewell Foundation.
Their decision reflects a desire to give their children as normal a life as possible, with privacy and security being top priorities. The couple has occasionally shared glimpses of family life through interviews, documentaries, and holiday cards but generally keeps Archie and Lilibet out of the public eye.
Privacy and Protection for Royal Children
The conversation around Archie and Lilibet often highlights a broader issue: the right of royal children to privacy.
Historically, members of the royal family have lived under intense public scrutiny. However, as society evolves, there is greater recognition of the need to protect children from unnecessary exposure.
Both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been vocal about shielding their children from harmful media speculation and invasive reporting. Their stance aligns with a growing consensus among child welfare advocates that children of public figures deserve the same protections as any other child.
Public Appearances
Princess Lilibet has made only limited public appearances since her birth. One notable moment came in June 2022, when the Sussexes traveled to the United Kingdom for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. During the trip, Lilibet celebrated her first birthday at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, with a private family gathering.
The couple released an official photograph of Lilibet during the celebration, showing her smiling outdoors. The image marked one of the rare occasions the public has seen her.
These carefully chosen glimpses highlight Harry and Meghan’s approach: offering small insights while maintaining control over their children’s privacy.
The Archewell Foundation and Advocacy
Harry and Meghan’s nonprofit, the Archewell Foundation, plays a central role in their public work. While not directly tied to their children, many of the foundation’s initiatives reflect the couple’s desire to build a safer, kinder world for the next generation.
Projects focus on:
- Mental health awareness and access to resources.
- Online safety, with particular emphasis on protecting young people from harmful digital environments.
- Community support programs, promoting compassion and resilience.
Through these efforts, the Sussexes have linked their personal commitment as parents to their professional mission.
The Importance of Respecting Childhood Privacy
Global fascination with the British royal family is not likely to fade. However, experts and advocacy groups emphasize that children—regardless of status—should not be subject to rumor, speculation, or invasive reporting.
Organizations like UNICEF and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) underscore that every child has the right to privacy and protection from harmful publicity.
Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie represent the future of the royal family, but they are also children who deserve to grow up free from undue media pressure.
Looking Ahead
As Princess Lilibet grows up in California, her life will likely look very different from that of her cousins in the United Kingdom. While she will always carry her royal heritage, her parents’ choices suggest an upbringing centered on family, security, and compassion rather than public duties.
Her story symbolizes both continuity and change within the monarchy: continuity through her ties to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, and change through her parents’ decision to redefine what royal life can look like in the modern world.
Conclusion
Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor embodies the blending of royal tradition and a modern approach to family life. Named in honor of two of the most influential women in royal history, she represents both heritage and hope for the future.
While public interest in the royal family is unlikely to diminish, it is essential to respect the privacy of children like Lilibet. By balancing tradition with modern values, Prince Harry and Meghan are setting a precedent for how younger royals may grow up in the 21st century.
As the world watches from afar, one truth remains clear: at the heart of the story is a little girl who deserves love, safety, and the chance to write her own future.
