Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, the second child of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. The announcement of her birth was made publicly by the couple through their charitable organization, Archewell.
Named after Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname “Lilibet” and Princess Diana, her paternal grandmother, the newborn received widespread media attention both in the UK and globally.
Limited Public Appearances and Family Privacy
Since her birth, Lilibet Diana has made only limited appearances. Her parents, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, have chosen to raise their children, including older brother Archie, in the United States. They have maintained a firm stance on privacy, especially regarding their children’s public exposure.
Lilibet’s first known visit to the UK was during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Reports from BBC News and ITV confirmed the Sussexes’ attendance at some official events, although they kept a low profile. The visit marked the first time Lilibet met her paternal great-grandmother and grandfather, now King Charles III.
Lilibet’s Birth Certificate: What It Includes
According to a public record obtained by People Magazine, Lilibet’s birth certificate lists both her parents’ legal names. Meghan is named as “Rachel Meghan Markle”, and Harry appears as “The Duke of Sussex” under the first name field and “His Royal Highness” under surname.
This generated interest due to the couple’s decision in 2020 to step back from the use of their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles, though they have retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, which were granted by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day. It’s important to note that title usage does not change on legal documents unless formally amended by the Crown or through Parliament, as outlined by constitutional procedures.
A Different Approach Than Archie’s Birth Certificate
For comparison, Archie’s birth certificate, released in 2019, listed Prince Harry under his full legal name: “His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex”. Meghan was identified as “Rachel Meghan Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”
By the time of Lilibet’s birth in 2021, the couple had already stopped using their HRH styles in an official capacity, though not removed by legal or parliamentary action. Therefore, their titles still appear in official documentation due to standard registry procedures and the absence of title renunciation.
Meghan’s Reflections on Motherhood
Meghan has spoken publicly about motherhood and raising two young children, particularly during her Archetypes podcast on Spotify. In the episode titled “Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom,” she described balancing parenting duties with personal and professional life in California.
She reflected on the importance of giving her children, especially Lilibet, a strong sense of identity and independence. Meghan said she aims to raise her daughter to be curious, kind, and confident, emphasizing that she wants her to be “a woman with a voice.”
In the same podcast, she shared a glimpse into her morning routine with Harry and their children, highlighting the family’s active involvement in daily life, from preparing meals to managing schedules.
The Platinum Jubilee: Lilibet’s First Visit to the UK
During Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, the Sussexes traveled to the UK with Archie and Lilibet. Though they maintained a private profile, sources including The Telegraph confirmed that the family attended the Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
It was during this trip that Lilibet reportedly celebrated her first birthday at Frogmore Cottage, the Sussexes’ UK residence. Photographer Misan Harriman, a friend of the couple, released a photo of Lilibet enjoying a garden picnic with family and close friends. The gathering included a custom birthday cake made by Claire Ptak, the same baker who created the couple’s wedding cake in 2018.
However, no official photographs were released of Lilibet with Queen Elizabeth II or other senior royals. Buckingham Palace did not issue public statements regarding the private visit, and media outlets including Sky News emphasized that it was a personal family occasion.
Holiday Invitations and Royal Engagements
In December 2022, it was reported by The Mirror that King Charles III invited Harry and Meghan to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham Estate, a traditional gathering place for royal holiday celebrations. The couple reportedly declined, reflecting continued personal and logistical distance.
No official comment was issued by the Palace or the Sussexes regarding the invite or their Christmas plans. The relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other members of the royal family remains the subject of widespread media analysis.
Meghan and Harry’s Public Roles Post-Royal Exit
Since moving to the United States, the couple has launched several projects under the Archewell Foundation, including partnerships in audio, publishing, and film. In 2023, Harry released his memoir, Spare, which detailed personal experiences within the royal family and addressed events from his early life, including the death of Princess Diana.
While the book was met with mixed reactions, it included positive memories and reaffirmed Harry’s bond with his children and late mother. No passages in the memoir confirm or deny claims about royal titles or parenting disputes.
Looking Ahead: Titles, Traditions, and Family Legacy
As of 2025, both Archie and Lilibet remain in the royal line of succession. Archie is currently sixth in line, and Lilibet is seventh, according to Royal.uk, the official website of the British Royal Family. Their titles and positions remain unchanged unless formally modified through legal channels.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer undertake royal duties, their children are still part of the wider royal family. Their upbringing in California reflects the couple’s choice to balance family privacy with public service through charitable initiatives.
Conclusion: A Document of Public Record, A Family’s Private Journey
Lilibet Diana’s birth certificate has offered a glimpse into how royal titles function in legal documentation, but it does not reflect any controversy or inconsistency under UK or U.S. law. While Harry and Meghan continue to chart their own path outside traditional royal life, their children remain part of a historical legacy that continues to captivate public attention.
As the family grows and evolves, both public and private moments—such as Lilibet’s quiet introduction to royal life—remind us that beyond the headlines, they are navigating parenthood, legacy, and identity in their own way.