As Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor turned three, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked the occasion with a cozy celebration at their Montecito residence.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have raised their little princess away from the spotlight. This has allowed her and her brother to live a normal life filled with simple yet fulfilling activities like feeding chickens, baking, and gardening.

However, Princess Lilibet remains connected to her royal heritage through her name. Her grandfather King Charles III’s recent gift and message also strengthened this bond. The King made this gesture even though there were ongoing familial tensions within the Royal Family.

A Joyous Celebration with Family and Friends

Princess Lilibet was born in California in 2021. Her birth followed her parents’ big decision to step back from their royal roles. In 2020, they moved to Meghan’s home state in the U.S. with their older son, Archie.

Prince Harry and Meghan recently celebrated Princess Lilibet’s third birthday on June 4 with a heartfelt and intimate gathering. The festivities kicked off with the Duke and Duchess hosting a charming pre-birthday bash at their Montecito home in California.

The little princess was surrounded by the warmth of close friends and family. This group included several of her friends. It was reported that the event also saw the presence of notable celebrities, including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom.

Princess Lilibet’s Private Life in California

Princess Lilibet enjoys a relatively private life with her family in the serene setting of Montecito, California. In March 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex held a small and intimate christening ceremony for Princess Lilibet at their home.

“I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3,” said a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess. Although King Charles III, The Queen Consort, Prince William, and Kate Middleton were invited, they did not attend.

Lilibet’s parents are committed to providing her and her brother, Archie, with a normal upbringing. However, following the release of their docu-series on Netflix, fans caught glimpses of the children’s lives.

The Sussex children spend their days doing simple activities like feeding chickens, baking, and gardening with their mother. The expansive grounds of their family home offer a haven for running wild and free, allowing them to experience the joys of childhood away from the public eye.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Reflections on Parenthood

Prince Harry and Meghan have been open about their transformative journey as parents, sharing intimate glimpses into their family life. In December 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their Christmas cards, featuring the first public image of Princess Lilibet.

The heartfelt message on the card captured their sentiments, “This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa,’ and Lili made us a family.”

Parenthood has deepened their bond and brought new dimensions to their lives. Prince Harry once said in an interview that Prince Archie had his “cheeky” personality. However, Meghan shared a touching moment that highlighted her connection with Princess Lilibet.

She recalled a recent incident where Princess Lilibet, looking into her mother’s eyes, said, “Mama, I see me in you.” Meghan cherished these words. They were a deep reflection of their shared identity and connection.

Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie are growing up in a loving home filled with warmth and affection. During an intimate conversation, Prince Harry reflected on his own childhood with Dr. Gabor Maté. He expressed his commitment to being a nurturing father.

Prince Harry emphasized the importance of showering his children with love and affection. He learned this from his longing for more physical affection from his father, King Charles III, and grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth.

Prince Harry frequently shares how grateful he is to be a father, noting the joy his children bring to his life. He speaks fondly of Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie’s incredible sense of humor and how they keep him and Meghan laughing and grounded daily.

Princess Lilibet’s Relationship with the Royal Family

Princess Lilibet’s connection with the Royal Family has been a topic of both affection and controversy. In 2021, a source at Buckingham Palace claimed that Prince Harry did not ask the late Queen Elizabeth about using her private family nickname, Lilibet.

But, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex denied this. They said that Prince Harry had indeed spoken with his grandmother before the announcement and received her blessing.

They emphasized that had Queen Elizabeth not been supportive, they would not have chosen the name. Princess Lilibet’s full name has deep meaning as it is also a homage to his late mother, Princess Diana, through her middle name.

Additionally, the nickname “Lili” is a loving nod to Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, who affectionately called Meghan “Flower” during her childhood.

In March 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made it known that they were using their children’s royal titles, announcing their daughter’s christening as Princess Lilibet.

With King Charles III’s accession to the throne in September 2022, Archie and Lilibet were formally recognized as prince and princess. Despite the ongoing familial tensions, King Charles III did not let the disputes completely overshadow Princess Lilibet’s 3rd birthday.

Royal expert Tom Quinn noted that King Charles III had no intention of ignoring Princess Lilibet’s birthday entirely. His Majesty The King reportedly sent a special message and gift to mark the occasion, showing his enduring affection for his granddaughter.

Princess Lilibet’s third birthday celebration highlighted the deep love and commitment her parents have for their children, providing them with a relatively private life in California.

Princess Lilibet and her brother enjoy a nurturing and affectionate environment. Despite the complexities of their relationship with the Royal Family, the bonds of family and heritage remain significant.