Lilibet Diana's Birth Announcement Shows How Much Has Changed Since Archie Was Born
Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor came into the world just 25 months after her big brother, Archie Harrison. The little girl has made the Queen a great grandmother for the 11th time and also completed, so they have said anyway, Harry and Meghan’s family (“Two it is” the Duchess told Oprah earlier this year).
Two children, only two years apart. Yet the announcement of Lili’s birth has also served as a reminder of just how big a 24 months it has been for the Sussexes. The way in which the statement was released, its content and to whom it was sent, all highlight just how different their circumstances are to 2019—as well as how much happier the couple seem.
When Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal life, a central aim was to gain more control over how they spent their time and who had access to them. Their deep frustration and unhappiness was already showing by the time Archie was born, when they pushed back against royal convention and declined to name his place of birth or pose for a large-scale photocall. As their team faced backlash over technical issues in making the announcement, debate around the Sussexes’ choices versus royal baby expectations also formed the backdrop of their son’s arrival on May 6, 2019.
But by the time their daughter came into the world, on June 4, 2021, they had successfully made it clear that they were doing things on their own terms. No longer working royals or receiving any taxpayer funding, the Sussexes have removed the basis for an argument that their lives are in any way public property. While flag-waving fans descended on the streets of Windsor for Archie’s arrival, despite the fact there was no possibility of catching a glimpse of him, there has been no attempt at, or expectation of, any kind of public moment for Lili’s arrival.
Instead, Harry and Meghan were able to have a whole two days with their daughter before telling the world of her birth, which they did on June 6. They were also able to choose the wording of their announcement without any consideration for royal precedent, and handpick which media they wanted to send it to ahead of an embargo set for 12 p.m. ET. They let it be known that they will not be releasing a photograph at this time, and there remains no indication (and no backlash about this lack on indication) of when we may first catch a glimpse of baby Lili.
What is also notable, however, is the fact that, now that they have control, the Sussexes seem much happier to be open. The information about the birth location they strove to keep secret when it was expected (it was eventually revealed via Archie’s birth certificate that he was born at the Portland Hospital) was readily offered up this time around. The fact that Lili was born at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital was provided alongside details spelling out why they chose the name Lilibet Diana—after her great grandmother’s childhood nickname and to honor her “beloved” late grandmother. Indeed, it is notable that while in the fold of “the Firm” and fighting to do things their own way, Harry and Meghan selected names for their son that did not have an obvious family or royal connection. Now they have their freedom, the names chosen for their daughter emphasize their bond with—and some have suggested offer an olive branch to—Harry's family.
Everything about this announcement has been on Harry and Meghan’s terms. They have made it clear to us once again that they are in control as they move forward with their new lives. But Lilibet Diana also reminds us that Harry’s royal roots remain very much a part of their future.
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