Following a royal year dominated by scandals and strokes of fate to date, at last some positive news has made its way beyond the palace walls and into the world. After a two-day delay, Prince Harry (36) and Duchess Meghan (39) finally announced the birth of their daughter Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor on Sunday, who saw the light of day on Friday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. So what is the actual meaning behind this birth name, revealing a close relationship with the Royal Family?
The parents of two have sent an offer of reconciliation with this naming across the pond from America to England towards the royal family.
An expression of respect for the queen of the century
Meghan and Harry had launched a frontal attack on “The Firm” last March in a revealing interview with star talker Oprah Winfrey. Against this background, the name Lilibet Diana can be considered a sign of respect for the Queen of the Century. Moreover, the royals in London would be badly advised if they did not accept this offer of reconciliation.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are honoring the freshly-born great-grandmother with this decision – and doing so with a very personal touch. The newborn is not called Elizabeth, but Lilibet, after the Queen’s private pet name. This is what she was called by her parents, her sister Margaret and her recently deceased husband Prince Philip.
The couple also used this pet name, to commemorate Philip, who would have turned 100 next Thursday. We must not forget: It will be the Queen’s first birthday without her husband – an altogether sad day for her. Therefore, perhaps Lilibet Diana is a small consolation.
This is why it is good that the baby is not called Diana Lilibet
Furthermore, he says, choosing Diana as a middle name rather than a first name is an important sign. After all, if she were called Diana Lilibet, Diana would have been far too present. That constellation is above all to be understood as Harry’s token of love for his mother – appropriate to her 60th birthday, which the Princess would have celebrated on July 1. It is interesting that Charlotte, the daughter of Kate and William, is also called that way with a third name.
In this case, the middle name is Elizabeth. In the choice, Prince Harry has clearly asserted himself and seemingly also based on his brother and the traditions. Names from the environment of Meghan’s family are absent. For the time being, because that can still come with the next baby.
However, what is the connection between these emotional and very personal approaches and the sober statement that the Royal Family shared with the public via social networks? The statement says: “Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of Lilibet Diana! The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased with the news. Lilibet Diana is Her Majesty’s 11th great-grandchild.”
Queen reacts as she is expected to react
That official congratulation is one that should be viewed in a discriminating manner, because it is broadly in line with the usual standard. We are convinced that a different approach was taken internally. The Queen reacted in the way one is used to from her – first as a human being and then as a queen.
She has certainly seen Lilibet Diana before. They certainly have skyped. Although the Queen is 95 years old, but not away from this world. As a great grandma, she is delighted. The fact that she, as Queen, is sad that the child was not born in London, meanwhile, cannot be blamed on her.
While Harry and Meghan’s decision has been made and the Sussex family will not be coming back to the royal fold anytime soon, the birth of Archie’s sister has consequences, such as on the British line of succession to the throne. Of all things, Lilibet Diana has risen to eighth place in this scandalous year and thus directly into the top 10.
This means she has left all the aunts and uncles behind her. Just because the little one doesn’t have a title and her parents are no longer A-Royals doesn’t mean Lilibet Diana isn’t an heir to the throne. She will keep sliding up the ladder in the future. After all, it’s very unlikely that Kate will have any more children.
Therefore, there is much to suggest that the presence of Meghan and Harry’s second offspring will once again bring the two parties closer together. The Queen, despite the recent dispute, has always made it clear that the renegade royals will remain a part of the family.
Reconciliation offer or ingratiation? Opinions differ on the web
Opinions on the web nevertheless diverge with regard to the intention of the name. Should Lilibet really be understood as an offer of reconciliation or rather an attempt to flatter the members of the royal family after their verbal attacks?
As so often, the American and the English prince are once again splitting the observers into two camps. There is nothing to suggest that the couple are attempting to cover up their own mistakes on the backs of their own child. On the contrary, the two sides have long since settled their differences, and they are looking positively to the future.
If Harry can win back the affection of his critics will be evident for him for the first time on July 1. That day, the celebrations in honor of Princess Diana will take place in London. With the child born, Harry now also has no excuse not to travel to London for the occasion. Should everything go normally in the coming weeks, he may well leave his wife alone for a day or two to attend the unveiling of the statue. This is the image the whole world is waiting for.
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