Princess Lilibet Biography: Birth, Title and Succession
Princess Lilibet of Sussex Biography: Birth, Name, Title and Place in the Royal Family
Princess Lilibet Diana of Sussex, known to her family as Lili, is the younger child of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Born in California on June 4, 2021, she is seventh in line to the British throne and the highest-ranked person in the line of succession to have been born overseas. She is five years old, so her public record is short and consists mostly of statements from her parents, official notices and press coverage of her family’s decisions. This article covers only what has been publicly documented and deliberately leaves out private details about a young child.
Birth and Name
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. Her parents announced the birth and her name two days later. She is the second child and first daughter of the couple, who were living in the Montecito area at the time. Her older brother, Prince Archie, was born in London in 2019.
Her name carries two family references. Lilibet was the private family nickname of her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Diana honors her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Reports at the time said the Queen was told of the name before the announcement, and the choice drew wide public attention because of the nickname’s personal meaning to the late monarch.
Titles: From Lady to Princess
At birth, Lilibet had no royal title in everyday use and was referred to as Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. After Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, and her son became King Charles III, Lilibet became the granddaughter of a reigning monarch in the male line, which under longstanding royal rules entitles a child to the style of prince or princess. The family did not use the title publicly at first. On March 8, 2023, a spokesperson for her parents referred to her as Princess Lilibet Diana in a statement about her baptism, and the royal family’s official website was updated the following day to list her as Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
Baptism
Lilibet was baptized on March 3, 2023, in a private service at her parents’ home in California. The service was held in the Episcopal Church, which is part of the Anglican Communion, and was conducted by a senior Episcopal clergy member. It was a private family occasion, and her parents announced it afterward.
Place in the Line of Succession
As of 2026, Lilibet is seventh in line to the throne, behind Prince William, his three children, her father and her older brother. She is also the first person in line who was born outside the United Kingdom. Her position could in theory move as the line changes, but the rules of succession currently place her in the same position regardless of any change in her parents’ public roles. The government has been considering legislation to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line, which would not affect her place relative to the people above her.
Early Childhood
Lilibet’s first years were spent mainly in California. Her first birthday was marked in June 2022 with a small family picnic at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, during the family’s visit for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and her parents released a photograph taken by family friend Misan Harriman. She has since been seen only in occasional images that her parents have chosen to share, including a family portrait released for her fifth birthday in June 2026. Her parents have said they want to protect their children’s privacy.
The 2026 Move to the United Kingdom
In August 2026, her parents announced that the family would relocate to the United Kingdom for an extended period after about six years in California. Lilibet and Archie were enrolled at British schools to begin in September. A letter released under the direction of King Charles stated that Harry and Meghan would live in the country as private citizens and not as working royals.
On September 14, 2026, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that the children had left their first school after two days and would move to another. The statement said the decision followed a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of the arrangements. Reports also said a committee was due to decide whether the family is entitled to publicly funded security. The names and locations of the schools have not been officially disclosed.
Public Image and Privacy
Because she is a child, Lilibet’s public image is entirely shaped by what her parents release. Websites and magazines regularly publish articles speculating about her appearance, but there is no reliable information beyond the few photographs and videos her parents have shared. This biography does not describe her personal characteristics or daily life because none has been confirmed by a trustworthy source.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Lilibet
Who is Princess Lilibet?
Princess Lilibet Diana of Sussex is the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She was born in Santa Barbara, California, on June 4, 2021, and is the granddaughter of King Charles III and the great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II.
How old is Princess Lilibet?
Princess Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, which makes her five years old as of October 2026. She marked her fifth birthday in June 2026, when her parents shared a family portrait.
Where was Princess Lilibet born?
She was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. She is the first member of the British royal family in direct line of succession to be born in the United States, a fact that has drawn attention because of her family’s life in California.
Why is she called Lilibet?
Lilibet was the private family nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, her great-grandmother. Her middle name, Diana, honors her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Her parents announced the name two days after she was born.
Is Lilibet a princess?
Yes. She became entitled to the style of princess when Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, and her grandfather became King. Her parents first used the title publicly on March 8, 2023, and the royal family’s website listed her as Princess Lilibet of Sussex the next day.
Where in the line of succession is Princess Lilibet?
She is seventh in line to the British throne, behind Prince William, his three children, her father and her brother. Her place could change only if people above her in the line change, and she is the highest-ranked person in the line born overseas.
Where does Princess Lilibet live now?
Her family relocated from California to the United Kingdom in August 2026. Her parents have not publicly disclosed their address, and they say they are living as private citizens. The children began school in September and changed schools after two days for security reasons.
