HARRY'S GRAN GESTURE! Welcome Little Lilibet

THE SUSSEXES CHOOSE A NAME FOR THEIR NEW ARRIVAL THAT IS FIT FOR A QUEEN

- Judy Kean

The birth of a royal baby is always cause for celebration – and the arrival of little Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor is no exception. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s daughter arrived on Friday, June 4, weighing a healthy 3.2kg (or 7lb 11oz – 8oz more than her big brother Archie). Meghan gave birth at the exclusive Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, near the couple’s home in Montecito, California, making the baby, who will be known as Lili, a dual citizen both of America and the UK.

The Queen’s 11th great-grandchild and eighth in line to the throne, like her big brother, she won’t have a royal title, although she could become a princess when Charles becomes king.

Announcing Lili’s birth, the joyful parents 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.”

Harry and Meghan explained that “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.”

Coincidentally, Lili was born 25 years to the day Princess Diana visited Northwestern University in Illinois – the same place that Meghan earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre and international studies.

Lili’s great-grandmother, grandparents and aunt and uncle responded to the news of her arrival with heartfelt messages of congratulations, saying the family was delighted.

Prince William, 38, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, 39, were quick to pass on their best wishes to Harry and Meghan and their son Archie, two, and expressed their happiness at the news. A palace insider says they sent a gift to their niece as soon as possible.