The Sussexes are now a family of four after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their baby girl on Friday, June 4, at 11:40 a.m. As the couple proudly announced the birth of Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, they released a statement that said they felt “blessed” with the arrival of their little one. “It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world. Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA,” said the couple’s statement, published on the Archewell Foundation website.
Weighing 7 lbs 11 oz., Lili is the second child born to Markle and Prince Harry, and she is the baby sister of 2-year-old Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Both the newborn and mother were said to be doing well after the birth and are now settling at home.
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The couple certainly put some thought into their daughter’s name, which honors two women that have played significant roles in Prince Harry’s life. “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet,” the couple’s statement went on to say. “Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales… The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.”
As the Sussex couple expressed their gratitude, they also said, “…We were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”
“For those inquiring on sending gifts, we would ask that you support or learn more about these organizations working for women and girls: Girls Inc., Harvest Home, CAMFED, or Myna Mahila Foundation,” the statement added.
From miles away, members of the British royal family also sent their love for Lili and to her parents. “We are all delighted by the happy news of the arrival of baby Lili,” Prince William and Kate Middleton said on Instagram. “Congratulations to Harry, Meghan, and Archie.” A message from the Queen, posted on Instagram, said: “Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of Lilibet Diana! The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted with the news. Lilibet is Her Majesty’s 11th great-grandchild.”
Prince Harry’s father, Prince Charles also put up an Instagram post, which said, “Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and Archie on the arrival of baby Lilibet Diana. Wishing them all well at this time.”
Cover image source: Getty Images | Photos by (L) Toby Melville – Pool and (R) Peter Nicholls – WPA Pool