Princess Lilibet, born in the U.S. after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California, has had a vastly different upbringing from her father’s.
While she celebrated her first birthday in the U.K., the event sparked speculation as notable royal family members were absent, including Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children.
Although Queen Elizabeth attended, reports suggest she refused to take a photo with Lilibet, citing concerns over a bloodshot eye and a broader lack of trust towards Harry and Meghan following their Oprah interview.
Lilibet’s 1st Birthday and Family Tensions
Lilibet met her great-grandmother for the first time during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Her parents hosted a backyard picnic at Frogmore Cottage to mark her birthday, with a rare public photo of Lilibet shared by their friend, Misan Harriman.
However, William and Kate’s absence fueled tensions, with reports stating they had other commitments. Some sources, including royal expert Christopher Andersen, suggested they made “no effort” to introduce their children to Lilibet. Meghan’s friend, Garcelle Beauvais, criticized Kate’s decision not to attend, calling it “shady.”
Reports emerged that Queen Elizabeth had banned Harry and Meghan from taking photos of her with Lilibet during their private meeting. Royal expert Phil Dampier later suggested that the Queen’s reluctance stemmed from distrust, believing any photo could be used for publicity. Additionally, she was reportedly displeased with Harry and Meghan naming their daughter “Lilibet,” a name deeply personal to her.
The ongoing rift between Harry and his family has impacted relationships between the royal cousins. Biographer Tom Quinn claims Harry is “devastated” that his children, Archie and Lilibet, have no connection with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Despite the tensions, he hopes they can form a bond as adults.
Lilibet turned three on June 4, 2024, with a low-key celebration at the Sussexes’ Montecito home, attended by close friends and family. This contrasts with her second birthday, reportedly a celebrity-filled event.
During a visit to Nigeria, Meghan shared a touching moment about Lilibet, recalling how her daughter once said, “Mama, I see me in you.” Meghan interpreted this in a broader sense, seeing herself reflected in others as well.
Future Public Appearances for the Sussex Children?
While Harry and Meghan have largely kept their children out of the spotlight, royal expert Tom Quinn suggests this may change. He claims the couple is considering bringing Archie and Lilibet on future international trips, seeing it as a way to enhance their public image. He also speculates that this move could place William and Kate at a disadvantage in terms of visibility.
With tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family still unresolved, the question remains: Should Harry and Meghan continue keeping their children out of the public eye, or would including them in future appearances be beneficial?