7 Shocking Facts About Princess Lilibet Diana: The American-Born Royal Who Is 7th In Line To The Throne

Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor is one of the most intriguing and closely guarded members of the British Royal Family. Born thousands of miles from the United Kingdom, her life represents a unique blend of American upbringing and ancient royal lineage. As of today, December 15, 2025, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues to live a private life in California, far from the royal spotlight, yet she remains firmly entrenched in the line of succession, a fact that has sparked considerable debate and curiosity among royal watchers globally.

The narrative surrounding Lilibet, or "Lili" as she is affectionately known, is a fascinating study in modern royalty—a life defined by a historic name, a West Coast home, and a grandfather, King Charles III, who reportedly longs for a deeper connection with his youngest American-born grandchild. Her existence challenges traditional royal protocol and highlights the unprecedented path chosen by her parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor: Full Biography Profile

• Full Name: Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
• Title: Princess Lilibet of Sussex
• Date of Birth: June 4, 2021
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Parents: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle)
• Sibling: Prince Archie of Sussex (Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor)
• Grandparents: King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales (paternal); Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland (maternal)
• Current Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California
• Line of Succession: 7th in line to the British throne

The Historic Significance of Her Name and Title

The choice of Lilibet’s name is arguably the most powerful and meaningful aspect of her identity, instantly linking her to two of the most important women in her father's life. The name is a profound tribute that carries immense historical weight, especially given the ongoing complexities of her parents’ relationship with the wider Royal Family.

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A Double Tribute to Royal History

The first name, Lilibet, was the intimate childhood nickname of her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. It was a name used only by her closest family members, including her husband, Prince Philip, and her parents. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to use this name was seen as a deeply personal gesture of love and respect for the late monarch, a move that reportedly had the Queen's blessing. The middle name, Diana, honors her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, a figure whose legacy continues to shape the monarchy and Prince Harry's life. This dual naming ensures that Princess Lilibet is a living embodiment of two iconic royal women.

The Official Princess Title Controversy

Upon the ascension of King Charles III in September 2022, Lilibet, along with her older brother, Prince Archie, became entitled to the titles of Prince and Princess, according to the 1917 Letters Patent set out by King George V. However, it wasn't until March 2023 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially began using the titles "Princess Lilibet of Sussex" and "Prince Archie of Sussex". This move was significant, as it marked the first time the titles were publicly acknowledged by the family since Charles became King. While they live as private citizens in the US, their royal titles remain a formal part of the British peerage, cementing their place in the royal structure.

Princess Lilibet’s Life in Montecito: California Royal

Unlike her cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, Princess Lilibet is being raised entirely outside the traditional confines of the British royal court. Her life in Montecito, a wealthy enclave near Santa Barbara, California, is characterized by privacy and a distinctly American upbringing.

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The family’s $14.65 million estate in Montecito provides a secure and secluded environment for the children. This separation from the UK has been a conscious decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aiming to give their children a childhood free from the intense media scrutiny that Harry himself experienced. The Duchess of Sussex has often spoken about the desire for a normal life for her children, a stark contrast to the royal nursery school and public appearances expected of UK-based royals.

Rare Public Glimpses and Birthday Celebrations

Public appearances by Princess Lilibet are extremely rare. The most widely shared image was a portrait released by the family's friend, Misan Harriman, to celebrate her first birthday in June 2022. Since then, glimpses have been minimal, maintaining the family's desire for privacy. Her recent birthdays, including her 3rd birthday in June 2024, were celebrated with intimate gatherings at their Montecito home. Royal fans eagerly anticipate any new photos or updates, which often only surface through official channels or the occasional, carefully curated social media post, such as a reported image shared by Meghan for her "golden birthday" (turning four on the fourth) in June 2025.

The Royal Divide: Lilibet and King Charles III

One of the most emotional and frequently discussed topics surrounding Lilibet is her relationship with her grandfather, King Charles III. The geographical distance and the strained relationship between Prince Harry and the Royal Family have created a significant barrier to a traditional grandparent-grandchild bond.

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A Grandfather's Reported Sadness

Reports from royal experts and sources consistently suggest that King Charles III is "very sad" and "heartbroken" over the lack of a deep, personal relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The King reportedly desires a closer connection and has expressed his openness to reuniting with his grandchildren. The complex dynamics of the family rift mean that Lilibet's interactions with her grandfather, and indeed with her uncle and aunt, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are minimal, primarily consisting of occasional video calls rather than in-person visits.

7. The Seventh in Line to the Throne

Despite her American birth and private life, Princess Lilibet remains a formal part of the British line of succession. She is currently seventh in line to the throne. Her position follows her father, Prince Harry (fifth), and her older brother, Prince Archie (sixth). This placement confirms her status as a senior member of the extended royal family, even if her upbringing is non-traditional. This fact alone ensures that Princess Lilibet will always be a subject of public and historical interest, representing a unique chapter in the centuries-old history of the British monarchy.