A new book by Robert Hardman has shed light on the late Queen Elizabeth’s reported anger after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle publicly stated that the monarch had given her blessing to name their daughter Lilibet.
The book, titled “Charles III, New King, New Court, The Inside Story,” was serialized in the Daily Mail.
According to the book, one member of staff revealed that Queen Elizabeth was extremely angry with the Sussexes’ comments.
The couple welcomed their baby daughter in 2021 in California and named her Lilibet, which was the Queen’s childhood nickname within the family.
The name had originated during the Queen’s early years when she struggled to pronounce her own name.
Contrary to what Harry and Meghan claimed, it was reported by the BBC at the time that the Queen was not asked for permission to use the name.
Other reports suggested that while the Queen was contacted by her grandson, she was not in a position to refuse.
However, the Sussexes’ spokesperson countered these claims, stating that they would not have used the name if the Queen had not been supportive.
In fact, the Duke had spoken with his family, and his grandmother was the first family member he informed.
During their conversation, he expressed his desire to name their daughter Lilibet in honor of her.
In response to the allegations that the Queen had not been consulted, the Sussexes’ legal representatives, Shillings, sent a letter to certain news broadcasters and publishers, asserting that such claims were defamatory and incorrect.
Commenting on the situation, Hardman wrote that one person recalled the Queen being as angry as they had ever seen her in 2021 when the Sussexes announced that she had given them her blessing to use the name Lilibet.
The couple swiftly issued warnings of legal action against anyone disputing their version of events, including the BBC.
However, their attempts to involve the palace in supporting their narrative were rebuffed, leading to conflicting recollections.
According to the royal expert, the royal family is not pleased with Prince Harry and his wife.
Hardman quotes a friend of Harry’s father, who expressed sadness but also exasperation, stating that the King had done what he could and now had other priorities.
As for Prince William, staff members say that he hopes people will understand and respect his decision to remain silent despite his brother’s repeated attacks, particularly towards his wife.
However, Harry’s insinuation that Windsor men, including his older brother, married someone who fit a certain mold rather than someone they were destined to be with, was deeply hurtful.
This was seen as a severe breach of trust, according to one family friend.
In conclusion, the revelations from the book highlight the tensions within the royal family regarding Harry and Meghan’s claims about the Queen’s involvement in naming their daughter.
The conflicting accounts have led to a public dispute, further straining relationships between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.