Why Lilibet won't be called a 'princess'?
The Duke and the Duchess of Sussex announced the birth of their second child and baby daughter, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on Sunday. The royal baby was born Friday morning at the Santa Barbara hospital in California.
Buckingham Palace, on behalf of the Queen and other senior members of the royal household, has released a statement stating their delight upon hearing the news.
While the baby's name is not only a nod to the Queen but also an ode to the late Princess Diana, many are still wondering whether or not the new baby will be adorned with her royal title.
Photo: Getty images
Royal decree issued by King George V, Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather
As much as you'd want Lilibet to be called a Princess, the royal decree issued by the Queen’s grandfather, King George V, in 1917 does not allow it. According to protocol, royal titles of 'Prince' and 'Princess' are restricted to the children of the monarch, children of the monarch’s sons and in the current case, the oldest living son of the eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales.
This means, besides the Queen, her children, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, her grandchildren, Prince William and Harry, Prince George, the eldest son to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is also entitled to the royal title.
Photo: Getty images
Queen Elizabeth tweaked the royal rule in 2012
In 2012, the Queen modified the rule stating that all three children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will be given the royal titles.
This means that out of 11 great-grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, only 3 have the royal title.
Therefore, just like Archie, the eldest son born to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their second child will also not receive the royal title.
Photo: Getty images
'Princess' or not, Lilibet Diana takes her name after two great women of British Royalty
According to the official statement released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, "Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales."
Lilibet was the nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, when she was just a toddler. Her grandfather, King George V would call her by that name. Whereas the middle name 'Diana' pays tribute to Harry's mother, the late Princess of Wales, Diana.
The couple in their statement, said, “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."
Photo: Instagram/SussexRoyals