Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made sure their youngest child, Princess Lilibet, had a grand birthday celebration, although they maintained a strict stance against lavish presents accompanying the event.
As Princess Lilibet turned two on Sunday, June 4, her grandfather, King Charles III, was reportedly engrossed in finding the toddler's ideal birthday gift. An informed source disclosed that the King had his attendants exploring bespoke cubby houses, reminiscent of those owned by the Queen and Princess Margaret during their childhood.
"Lili should have a gift that she can use exclusively and will remember for a lifetime. It's meant to be the ultimate surprise," shared the insider with a media outlet, speaking about Charles' gift hunting process.
Yet, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, had some clear instructions about acceptable gifts from Charles, focusing on moderate grandeur. "Harry has warned Charles to be less extravagant," the source reportedly stated.
What gift finally arrived from Charles for his granddaughter, currently residing in Montecito, California with her renowned parents and older sibling Archie, remains a mystery. Archie celebrated his 4th birthday at their Montecito residence the previous month.
Born in the U.S., Lilibet's birth marked a new chapter in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's life after their definite departure from royal duties and their subsequent move from the U.K., the birthplace of their firstborn, in 2020.
The couple has been in a strained relationship with the royal family ever since they quit their royal roles. The situation was further intensified by their revealing interviews, Netflix documentary, and memoir, which didn't paint a flattering picture of the remaining working royals, collectively known as 'The Firm'.
Harry's cautionary advice to Charles about Lilibet's gift likely came after their recent reconciliation, just before Charles' coronation ceremony, coincidentally on Archie's birthday.
An earlier source claimed that Harry and Charles had a brief rendezvous in March when Harry was in London for a court appearance. "After that, the king finally started taking his son's calls again," the source added, indicating that multiple conversations followed between the father and son.
Despite the strained ties with his son and daughter-in-law, Charles' affection for his grandchildren seems to remain untouched.
OK! reported that during a private lunch following his May 6 coronation ceremony, Charles tenderly acknowledged his grandson Archie's birthday, raising a toast to his loved ones, including those who were absent. "Wherever he was," Charles conveyed his birthday wishes to his youngest grandson.
Harry, who had already departed to celebrate Archie's birthday at home, was not present to witness this heartfelt gesture. The source provided these insights to New Idea regarding Charles' gift for Lilibet.
