Princess Lilibet Diana: Revealed Royal Facts
When Prince Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child, the world instantly turned its gaze toward the newest member of the Windsor family. Princess Lilibet Diana, affectionately called “Lili,” has been the subject of endless headlines, yet many of the details about her life remain surprisingly low‑key. Below, we sift through the official announcements, public appearances, and family statements to pull together the most reliable facts about this young royal.
Princess Lilibet Diana: Royal Facts Revealed
Born on June 4, 2021, Lilibet entered the world at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, making her the first royal baby born in the United States since the late 19th century. Her full name—Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten‑Windsor—was chosen with clear nods to both her great‑grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. Although she sits in the line of succession, her parents have deliberately kept her title informal, opting instead to use “Princess” as a courtesy in media releases.
The Story Behind the Name
“Lilibet” was the nickname Queen Elizabeth used within the family, a pet form that originated from a childhood mispronunciation of her own name. By selecting it, Harry and Meghan paid tribute to the monarch who raised them while also honoring a sense of familial intimacy. The middle name “Diana” serves as a heartfelt homage to the beloved mother and grandmother whose memory continues to shape the family’s public narrative.
Birth and Early Days
- Birthdate: 4 June 2021 (age 3)
- Place of birth: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, California, USA
- Weight and length: 6 lb 12 oz; 20 inches (reported by the hospital)
- Nicknames: “Lili” is the family’s preferred diminutive
- Godparents: Princess Margaret of Denmark (the Duchess of York) and actress Julie Andrews (close family friend)
Unlike many royal births, Lilibet’s arrival was announced through a handwritten note from her parents, accompanied by a photo of the newborn’s tiny hand gripping Meghan’s finger. The note emphasized a desire for privacy, a theme that has guided much of the family’s approach to her upbringing.
Family and Citizenship
Princess Lilibet holds both British and American citizenship—a dual status that reflects her parents’ transatlantic lives. Her mother, Meghan, is a U.S. citizen by birth, while her father, Harry, remains a British citizen and a senior member of the armed forces. The couple split their time between Montecito, California, and occasional trips to the United Kingdom, allowing Lilibet to experience both cultures.
Her Place in the Succession
As of 2024, Lilibet sits somewhere around the twenty‑seventh spot in the line of succession to the British throne. The exact ranking can shift with each birth or death in the royal family, but she remains well outside the immediate circle that would likely inherit the crown. Nonetheless, her position is legally recognised, and she would be called “Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet Diana of York” should the family decide to grant her a formal style in the future.
Public Appearances and Media Attention
Harry and Meghan have been careful to shield Lilibet from the relentless paparazzi that once followed their first daughter, Archie. Nevertheless, she has made a handful of public appearances, each met with a mixture of curiosity and adoration:
- Royal School of Defence Studies (2022): Lilibet was seen in the audience with her parents during a ceremony honoring veterans.
- Family gathering at Kensington Palace (2023): A rare photo captured Lilibet playing with her cousins, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte, under the watchful eye of the Queen.
- Annual charity event for mental health (2024): The Princess was featured in a promotional video, highlighting the cause close to her parents’ hearts.
Each appearance has been brief, and the family consistently emphasizes normal childhood experiences over royal pageantry.
What the Future Might Hold
While no official educational plan has been disclosed, it is widely expected that Lilibet will attend a private school in California before possibly transitioning to a UK institution for her later years. Harry has spoken publicly about the importance of a “balanced upbringing,” suggesting that she will receive a blend of American and British cultural education.
In terms of titles, the decision rests with the monarch. Should the Queen—or her successor—choose to bestow a formal style, it would likely be announced through a royal proclamation. Until then, “Princess” remains a courtesy term used primarily by the press.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Born June 4 2021 in California.
- Full name: Lilibet Diana Mountbatten‑Windsor.
- Named after Queen Elizabeth II’s nickname and Princess Diana.
- Dual British‑American citizenship.
- Approximately 27th in the line of succession.
- No official royal title, but commonly referred to as “Princess Lilibet.”
- Residence: Montecito, California, with occasional UK visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Princess Lilibet Diana?
As of October 2026, she is five years old, having celebrated her birthday on June 4.
Does she have an official royal title?
No formal title has been granted; the family uses “Princess” as a courtesy, but she does not currently hold a style such as “Her Royal Highness.”
What is the significance of her name?
“Lilibet” honors Queen Elizabeth II’s family nickname, while “Diana” commemorates her late grandmother, Princess Diana, linking both generations of women who shaped the family.
Where does she live?
Lilibet primarily resides in Montecito, California, though she travels to the United Kingdom for family events and royal engagements.