The News
Duchess of Sussex Welcomes Baby Girl: Meet Lilibet Diana
In a delightful announcement that has captured hearts around the globe, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has given birth to a beautiful baby girl.
The joyous news was revealed on Sunday, with a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan confirming that their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, arrived on Friday, June 4, at 11:40 AM.
Born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, little Lilibet weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Both mother and daughter are reportedly doing well and are now settling into their home life.
This marks a significant moment for the couple, who are already parents to their two-year-old son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
The family is basking in the glow of this new addition, and the warm wishes pouring in from supporters have been deeply appreciated by the couple.
Lilibet, affectionately known as “Lily,” carries a name rich in familial significance.
Her first name pays homage to her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname is Lilibet.
The inclusion of Diana as her middle name honors Harry's beloved late mother, Princess Diana, ensuring her legacy continues through the generations.
The excitement surrounding Lilibet's birth extends beyond the Sussex family.
As the Queen's 11th great-grandchild and the fifth grandchild for Prince Charles, the news has been met with delight throughout the royal family.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing happiness over the birth, confirming that the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall were all informed and thrilled with the news.
Harry and Meghan had previously shared their pregnancy announcement on Valentine's Day with a stunning black-and-white photograph.
Captured by their friend Anne Harriman, the image depicted Meghan cradling her baby bump while resting her head on Harry's lap, radiating love and anticipation for their growing family.
Since stepping back from their senior royal roles in March 2020, Harry and Meghan have embraced a more private lifestyle in Montecito, Santa Barbara, where they live with Archie.
Their decision to raise their children away from the royal spotlight reflects their desire for a more normal upbringing, which includes allowing Archie to grow up as a private citizen.
Lilibet is currently eighth in line to the British throne, right behind her big brother Archie.
However, she is not expected to undertake royal duties.
As the royal family expands, her position in the line of succession will change when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children eventually grow up and have families of their own.
Interestingly, Lilibet's American birthplace grants her automatic U.S. citizenship, alongside her British citizenship through her father, Prince Harry.
This dual nationality adds another layer to her identity as she navigates her place within both American and British heritage.
As the Sussex family embarks on this new chapter, they have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide.
In a personal statement shared on their website, they reflected on the joy of welcoming their daughter and the overwhelming kindness they've experienced during this special time.