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Prince Harry hinted at liking name 'Lily' years before daughter's birth

Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child on 4 June

Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
June 7, 2021
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched fans with their poignant choice of name for their newborn daughter - Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. But the proud father of two actually hinted at the sweet moniker many years ago.

The couple revealed in a statement on Sunday that the name Lili is in honour of Harry's grandmother, the Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. And it's clearly been on Harry's radar for quite some time.

MORE: The Queen shares statement following birth of Harry and Meghan's daughter

WATCH: Harry and Meghan welcome baby daughter and name her Lilibet 'Lili' Diana

In 2019, when Meghan was pregnant with the couple's first child, son Archie, the royals visited Birkenhead together, where they spoke to a group of young schoolchildren.

READ: Prince Charles and Camilla congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on daughter's birth

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At the time, Harry expressed an interest in the name 'Lily' asking one mother how she spelled her daughter's flower-inspired name.

meghan markle prince harry birkenhead

Harry and Meghan pictured during their Birkenhead visit in 2019

At the same engagement, Meghan spoke to seven-year-old Megan Dudley, who later told reporters: "I asked her whether she would call her baby Amy if she has a girl and she said, 'That's a really pretty name, I like it. We'll have to think about it.'"

READ: Why we might not see a photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new baby for a while

MORE: Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry chose to have baby girl at Santa Barbara hospital

Announcing their daughter's safe arrival on the Archewell website, Harry and Meghan said: "On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. 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."

meghan markle archie reading

Lili is a little sister for the couple's son, Archie

A spokesperson further confirmed: "Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.

READ: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's baby daughter announcement is a royal first

"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."

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