Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s choice of ‘private’ name Lilibet is ‘rude’ and ‘demeaning’ towards the Queen, expert says

0
142

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry were today slammed for calling their daughter Lilibet – with one critic blasting it “rude” and “demeaning” towards the Queen.

Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, who shares Her Majesty’s family nickname, arrived at 11.40am on Friday in California.

Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates

Angela Levin believes the name Lilibet is ‘demeaning’ towards the Queen

Some royal experts have said the decision to name her after the Queen could act as an olive branch to the Royal Family after recent controversies.

But royal biographer Angela Levin slammed the sentimental move – suggesting it exploits “a very private nickname”.

She told Good Morning Britain: “I don’t think it’s a good idea – I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen.

“It was a very private nickname from her husband who hasn’t been dead for very long.

“Prince Charles would never dream of calling his mother Lilibet.”

The Queen was given her nickname by her grandad King George V, who joked that she couldn’t pronounce her name Elizabeth as a child.

Meghan and Harry, pictured with their son Archie, have not yet released an image of their daughter
Some royal experts say the choice of name may be an olive branch to the Royal Family – but Ms Levin appears to disagree

Lilibet was given the middle name Diana in a touching tribute to Harry’s late mum

Her Majesty’s husband Prince Philip later adopted the name himself and was one of the few people to use it regularly.

Ms Levin said of the private name: “We knew what it was but it was his name – [the Duke of Edinburgh] wanted that name for her, it was a special name  I think it’s quite demeaning, I really believe that.”

She added that Harry “did mention to his grandmother” that he was going to name his daughter after her – “but I bet you he didn’t say I’m going choose Lilibet”.

Meghan and Harry have also honoured Harry’s “beloved” late mother Princess Diana with the baby’s middle name, Diana.

A statement published on their Archewell website said: “On June 4, 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.”

A spokesman said mum and baby were “healthy and well”.

Meghan chose Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital over the popular Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

The spokesman went on: “Lili is now setting in at home.”

They confirmed: “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty the Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet.

“Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honour her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…

HOAR is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here. 

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.