Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Lilibet Photo Sparks Controversy

In June, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a heartwarming photo of their daughter Lilibet to celebrate her first birthday.

The snapshot was released during their visit to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

However, the image has ignited debate among royal watchers and social media users alike, as many believe it was not taken at Frogmore Cottage, as claimed.

Critics have pointed out discrepancies in the photo's background, suggesting it doesn't match the architecture of Frogmore Cottage.

A comment on Quora from user Jenny.au highlighted this, noting the absence of vintage bar heaters that are characteristic of the renovated outbuildings on the Windsor estate.

This revelation has led some to question the authenticity of the portrait.

Adding fuel to the fire, the image appears to have been previously shared on Twitter back in December 2021.

Many are puzzled by why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to include this older imagery in a portrait meant to celebrate their daughter.

Some speculate that such choices undermine the perceived authenticity of Lilibet's identity as their daughter.

Further complicating matters are conflicting reports regarding the couple's departure back to California.

Tabloids suggested that Harry and Meghan, along with their children, were hurriedly whisked away on a private jet amid reported disagreements with senior royal family members.

The narrative painted them as learning quickly who holds authority within the royal fold.

In a surprising twist, some royal enthusiasts have speculated that Lilibet bears a striking resemblance to Jessica Mulroney's youngest daughter, raising eyebrows about her true parentage.

This speculation intensified when no children were spotted boarding the plane during their departure, leading to discussions about the couple's children being absent from the UK altogether.

Moreover, the choice of the name “Lilibet” has also stirred up controversy within royal circles.

According to royal biographer Giles Brandreth, some family members found it rather presumptuous for Harry and Meghan to name their child after the Queen's cherished nickname.

They questioned the appropriateness of such a choice, given its intimate connection to the late monarch.

However, Brandreth's upcoming book, *Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait*, reveals a different side of the story.

He claims that the Queen herself was quite fond of the name, describing it as “very pretty” and suitable for her eleventh great-grandchild.

The nickname Lilibet, while well-known, was used by only a select few outside the Queen's immediate family.

In a more personal touch, Brandreth asserts that Harry sought his grandmother's permission before naming the baby Lilibet, indicating that it was an open and respectful discussion.

The Queen reportedly accepted the name graciously, viewing it as a heartfelt tribute from her grandson.

Despite the approval from the Queen, not all family members shared her sentiment.

Some found the choice bewildering, suggesting that it might be an attempt by the Sussexes to reconcile with the family after their departure and the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview.

Interestingly, after the announcement of Lilibet's name, the Queen learned that the family planned to use the nickname “Lily” for the little one, which she thought was just perfect.

This small detail seems to illustrate her affection for the new addition to the family.

Brandreth also emphasized the Queen's efforts to embrace Meghan Markle into the royal family.

He noted that she was deeply devoted to Harry and genuinely wished the couple well as they embarked on their new life abroad.

The biographer remarked that he never heard any negative comments about Meghan from the Queen, except for a light-hearted concern about Harry being perhaps too infatuated.

As the story continues to unfold, it remains clear that the dynamics within the royal family are anything but simple.