The News
Queen Elizabeth’s Fury Over Sussex Baby Name: A Family Rift?
In a surprising twist within the royal family, reports have surfaced indicating that Queen Elizabeth II was deeply upset by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's choice to name their daughter Lilibet.
This revelation has sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics of the royal family, particularly between the queen and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Lilibet, a name steeped in personal significance, was a cherished nickname from the queen's childhood.
It originated from her early struggles with pronouncing her own name and was lovingly used by her father and later by Prince Philip.
However, this intimate connection seems to have been overshadowed by the queen's reaction to the Sussexes' decision.
According to Robert Hardman's new book, “Charles III, New King.
New Court.
The Inside Story,” the late monarch expressed her displeasure to her aides, stating, “I don't own the palaces.
I don't own the paintings.
The only thing I own is my name.
And now they've taken that.” This sentiment highlights the personal nature of the grievance, as it strikes at the heart of her identity.
An insider close to the queen described her as being “as angry as I'd ever seen her” following the announcement.
This raises questions about how deep the rift has grown between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, especially considering the emotional weight of such an intimate family nickname.
Kelvin Mackenzie, a former editor of The Sun, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the naming dispute marked a turning point in the queen's perception of Harry and Meghan.
He noted that her feelings had shifted to viewing them no longer as family or friends.
This shift, if true, could have lasting implications for future family interactions.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, there were conflicting reports regarding whether Harry and Meghan sought permission from the queen before naming their daughter.
According to BBC royal correspondent Johnny Diamond, a palace source claimed that the couple never formally asked for the queen's blessing, contradicting earlier assertions that they had done so.
The couple announced Meghan's pregnancy on Valentine's Day in 2021, and their daughter, Lilibet, was born on June 4 of that year.
Unlike their son Archie, who was born in London, Lilibet entered the world in California, a year after Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan quickly refuted claims about the queen's disapproval, asserting that she was the first family member Harry called after Lilibet's birth.
During that conversation, he expressed his desire to honor her by naming their daughter Lilibet, emphasizing that they would not have made this choice without her support.
Reports indicate that the queen was initially taken aback by the news of her great-granddaughter's name but felt unable to object given the circumstances.
The nickname Lilibet had been reserved for a select few in her life, making its use by the Sussexes particularly poignant.
Now two years old, Lilibet has only visited the UK once, during the late queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, where she marked her first birthday.
This limited exposure to her British heritage adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of the royal family's relationships.
As the dust settles on this royal naming controversy, it becomes clear that the implications extend beyond mere semantics.
The emotional landscape of the British monarchy continues to shift, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for Harry, Meghan, and their ties to the royal family.