Meghan Markle’s former friend Lizzie Cundy claims Lilibet was named after her—not the Queen

Meghan Markle’s former friend Lizzie Cundy believes she could have been the real inspiration for the name Lilibet

Meghan Markle's former friend Lizzie Cundy believes she was the real inspiration for the name Lilibet
(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty)

Meghan Markle's former friend Lizzie Cundy has taken credit for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex naming their daughter Lilibet. 


Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced the birth of their daughter on Sunday, delighting royal fans everywhere with the exciting baby number two news. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their second child, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, into the world on Friday morning and have since brought her home to join her older brother Archie at their $14 million dollar Santa Barbara mansion. In an official statement, the couple explained that their daughter’s name was a tribute to both the Queen and the late Prince Diana. 

Her Majesty was known as “Lilibet” in her childhood, an affectionate nickname that the Duke of Edinburgh continued to call her throughout her reign. The sweet moniker is no longer used now that Prince Philip has died, but will hopefully be revived through the birth of baby Lili. 

The London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, 26th May 2021,
Lizzie Cundy attends Here Come The Boys, Press Night (Photo credit should read Jamy/Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle's former friend, Lizzie Cundy 

(Image credit: Jamy/Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Not everyone believes that the name is an homage to the Queen, however. Meghan Markle's former friend, Lizzie Cundy, has claimed that it was she—and not Harry's beloved grandmother—who inspired the couple to call their daughter Lilibet. 

“I was called Lilibet. It’s short for Elizabeth. It was my nickname at school!” the British TV personality told OK! magazine. “Thank you, Meghan. You ghosted me—and now you’re calling your child after me.”

Lizzie, who socialized with the duchess when Meghan Markle's Suits career was taking off in 2013, hasn't been on good terms with her old friend for a long time. The two fell out after Meghan began dating Prince Harry in 2016 and have not spoken since. She was unsurprisingly stunned to hear the news of the connection to her former pal's daughter years later. 

“I appreciate it,” she said. “But yeah, my name was Lilibet at school. When I heard it on the radio, I kind of turned and said, ‘That’s my name! I haven’t been called it for years.’" 

“Maybe that’s her way of reaching out,” Lizzie added. “But I wish them well and I think it’s wonderful.”

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.