The official statement released just days after the young royal’s birth read: “It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world.”
The couple’s own personal message read: “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”
Speaking about the couple’s decision to shorten their daughter’s name, royal expert Christine Ross suggested that it could be down to Meghan and Harry’s wishes to give their children as normal of a childhood as possible.
As well as Lilibet, who is now four, the couple are also proud parents to six-year-old Prince Archie.
Ms Ross previously told the Express: “There is certainly a trend in baby names of giving family names, but shortening the name to give the new baby their own identity.
“Lili is a much more common name than Lilibet, and lends to Meghan and Harry’s desire for their children to have as normal a childhood as possible.”
During an appearance in Nigeria last year, Meghan spoke of her daughter – and referred to her as ‘Lili’. Speaking just weeks before Lilibet’s third birthday, Meghan told students: “Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three. And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], ‘Mama, I see me in you’.”
