Harry & Meghan Fire Back At Claims They Didn't Consult Queen Over Baby Name
Harry and Meghan are denying new rumors, saying they definitely asked the original Lilibet — the Queen — about using her childhood nickname for their daughter
Can we all stop for a moment and remember back to last weekend, when we saw the breaking news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had welcomed their second child, a girl? Can we remember when we first read about the baby’s name — Lilibet Diana, a heartwarming tribute to two strong women in the Royal Family — and it caused us all to melt? Let’s just keep remembering those feelings while we talk about how, once again, as usual, unsurprisingly, Harry and Meghan are having to defend themselves against vicious, unfounded rumors about their family and their relationship with Queen Elizabeth.
This time, to no one’s surprise, a member of the British press reported that the Queen was never consulted by the couple about their decision to use her childhood nickname, Lilibet, as their daughter’s first name. The claim came from BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today program and royal correspondent Jonny Dymond, who said that Harry and Meghan “never asked” the Queen about the name.
Luckily, a spokesperson for the Sussexes reacted swiftly, releasing a statement that flatly denied the new rumors.
“The Duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement, in fact his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor,” the statement said. “Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.”
Can we just stop for a moment and think about how ridiculous this rumor is to begin with. The Royal Family is excessively careful about its public image. It’s also built on generations of tradition that include intense respect for elders, and for the Monarch in particular. Even though Harry and Meghan have stepped back from their royal roles and moved to the U.S., they still speak so highly of the Queen. On what Earth would they decide to use her childhood nickname as their daughter’s name without asking her first? It just truly does not make sense, and a “royal correspondent” with any critical thinking skills whatsoever should know that.
Then again, the press has long been on an absolute mission to vilify Meghan Markle. It was a big part of why the couple left their jobs in the Royal Family — and the country. Their new daughter’s name is sweet and perfect, a loving tribute to two incredibly special women. We wish Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet nothing but the best as they settle in to life together.
