Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the naming of his daughter, Prince Harry was recently spotted in Santa Barbara, California, displaying a notably serious demeanor. This sighting follows allegations that he and Meghan Markle upset Queen Elizabeth II by choosing to name their daughter Princess Lilibet, a deeply personal nickname of the late monarch.
Captured in photos obtained by the Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex was seen clad in a black jacket, shorts, and a blue beanie, sporting a grave expression and seemingly biting his lips. The 39-year-old royal's "glowering" appearance, as described by the publication, has fueled speculation about the impact of recent revelations on him.
The controversy was ignited by royal author Robert Hardman in his new book, "The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy." Hardman cited an unnamed palace aide who claimed that Queen Elizabeth II felt "furious" over the Sussexes' use of her childhood nickname "Lilibet" for their daughter. According to the aide, the Queen was "as angry as I'd ever seen her" following the public announcement.
In response to these allegations, a representative for Prince Harry and Meghan stated at the time, "The duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement - in fact, his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name." Subsequently, the Sussexes instructed their legal firm, Schillings, to issue a letter contradicting claims that the Queen was not consulted, labeling them as "false and defamatory."
However, reports suggest that the Queen expressed distress over the matter, reportedly lamenting to aides, "I don't own the palaces, I don't own the paintings, the only thing I own is my name. And now they've taken that."
The Sussexes have yet to comment on Hardman's revelations, but the controversy has sparked backlash and debate. Royal author Omid Scobie, commenting on the situation, noted, "None of these Lilibet 'revelations' are doing the late Queen Elizabeth II any favours." He suggested that the new details contradict earlier information shared by the Palace and negatively depict the Queen.
Public reactions on social media platforms echo similar sentiments, with some users criticizing the use of anonymous sources and expressing disbelief that the Queen would react negatively. The narrative is being seen by some as damaging not only to Harry and Meghan but also to the Queen's legacy.
Hardman's account contrasts with that of Gyles Brandreth in his book, "Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait." Brandreth suggested that while the Queen had initial reservations about the name "Lilibet," she found "Lili" to be "very pretty and seems just right."
The announcement of Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor's name on June 6, just two days after her birth, has thus become a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, reflecting the complex dynamics within the royal family and the public's enduring fascination with their personal affairs. As Prince Harry navigates these challenging waters, his recent public appearance in Santa Barbara underscores the personal toll such controversies can take.
