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Harry and Meghan’s Use of “Lilibet” Sparks Controversy and Palace Clash

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Harry and Meghan’s Use of “Lilibet” Sparks Controversy and Palace Clash

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A dispute has arisen between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Buckingham Palace over the use of Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname, Lilibet, for their newborn daughter.

While a palace insider claimed that the Queen was never consulted about the name, Harry and Meghan’s lawyers have threatened legal action against the BBC and other news outlets for reporting otherwise.

This clash has put Harry at odds with his 95-year-old grandmother, escalating tensions behind the scenes into a public row.

The controversy began when a palace source, cited by the broadcaster, stated that Harry and Meghan had not sought the Queen’s approval for their chosen names.

However, sources close to the royal family supported the BBC’s account, suggesting that the Duke and Duchess did indeed ask permission to use the highly personal nickname.

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Lilibet originated when the Queen, as a toddler, struggled to pronounce her own name, Elizabeth.

This disagreement places Harry in opposition to his surviving grandmother, who has been the one consistent presence in his life amid strained relationships with Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Queen has always been Harry’s commander-in-chief, a role he emphasized even after stepping back from his royal duties.

According to a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan, the Duke had informed the Queen of their intention to name their daughter Lilibet, honoring her, in a conversation that took place after the baby’s birth but before the official announcement.

The spokesperson clarified that the Duke shared their hopes with his family, and if the Queen had not been supportive, they would not have used the name.

It appears that Harry may have informed rather than asked the Queen about their decision.

While the Queen’s immediate reaction remains unclear, it is known that she felt uneasy about the use of such a deeply personal nickname.

Lilibet was a term affectionately used by her grandfather, King George V, her father, King George VI, and her late husband, Prince Philip.

The Queen herself wrote the name on a card placed atop the Duke’s coffin during his funeral in April.

Although some close family friends also use the nickname, it is not believed to be commonly used by her eight grandchildren.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, speculated that the Queen had little opportunity to object to the choice of name.

She highlighted the timing of the dispute, occurring shortly after Prince Philip’s death, and expressed sadness at the unnecessary family conflict.

Seward emphasized that even a joyful occasion like the birth of a baby has become mired in controversy.

Harry’s decision to name his daughter Lilibet may have been an attempt to extend an olive branch to his family.

By using his grandmother’s pet name, the Sussexes could maintain their connection to the royal brand.

This strategy mirrors their previous approach when they named their non-profit organization, Archwell, after their son Archie.

Despite stepping back from their royal roles, they were convinced by the Queen not to use the name “Sussex Royal” for their foundation.

Observers noted that Harry, who has strived to maintain a good relationship with the Queen, contacted her before reaching out to his father.

Relations between Charles and Harry have been strained over the past year due to disagreements about finances and other issues stemming from the Sussexes’ decision to step back from their official duties.

Last month, Harry made critical remarks about his father’s parenting skills, as well as those of the late Princess Diana, the Queen, and Prince Philip, during a discussion on mental health.

Nonetheless, Charles welcomed his granddaughter’s arrival, expressing his joy during a speech in Oxford.

Lilibet is the Queen’s eleventh great-grandchild and the first to be born since the passing of Prince Philip.

The fallout from this latest rift within the royal family has placed the BBC in the midst of fresh controversy.

Despite legal threats from Harry and Meghan, the corporation has chosen to keep the story on its website.

The clash over Lilibet’s name serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities and tensions within the royal family.

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