Royal Reporters Up To Old Tricks: Harry, Markle Refute Claims Over Daughter's Name, Threaten Action

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embroiled again in a royal spat created by the news media - this time for naming their daughter with Queen Elizabeth II's nickname, Lilibet.

A royal correspondent claims the couple didn't ask the Queen's permission. As with most royal gossip, the couple had denied the claims.

Harry and Markle's decision to call their second child Lilibet is viewed as a move mend a rift with the royal family. They asserted that the Queen gave her blessing to use the name - but the gossip columns are trying their best to create divisions with some family members.

According to The Guardian, BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn't consult the Queen about the name. Though the broadcaster didn't reveal sources behind the story, the journalist said on BBC Radio 4's Today the insider made it clear Harry and Markle didn't ask for consent and no approval was given.

Dymond said his informant was "a good palace source" and was "absolutely adamant" the Queen didn't approve the name. However, Harry and Markle's representatives said they told the Queen.

If the boss disapproved, they would not have used the name.

"The duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement - in fact, his grandmother was the first family member he called," the representative said. "During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name."

The couple's lawyers have told the BBC its claims were false and defamatory.

As well as receiving royal approval for the name the Queen was one of a few who first knew of Lilibet's arrival, People reported. Harry and Markle waited for a couple of days before they officially announced their daughter's birth on June 4.

Messages of congratulations from the royals poured in.

"The Queen, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news of the birth of a daughter for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," a representative for Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The royal family's official social media accounts also posted a photo of Meghan and Harry's 2018 wedding to celebrate the special occasion. "Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of Lilibet Diana!" it said.