When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the birth of their second child back in June 2021, the world basically stopped for a second to process the name. Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. It was a mouthful. It was heavy with history. But almost immediately, the couple cleared the air with a statement that simplified everything: they would call her Lili.
Fast forward to today, and that simple four-letter name has become the primary Meghan Markle nickname for Lilibet, though it’s certainly not the only one. If you’ve been following the Sussexes' move to Montecito, you know they tend to favor "pet names" that feel a lot more California-cool than Buckingham Palace-stiff.
Why "Lili" Was Only the Beginning
Naming a child after the sitting Queen of England’s most private childhood nickname was always going to be a gamble. Honestly, it was a choice that sparked a thousand op-eds. But in the day-to-day life of a toddler in California, "Princess Lilibet" is mostly just Lili.
Meghan has been quite open about how she talks to her kids. She’s often heard using "Lili" in public settings, like during their 2022 visit to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee. It’s sweet, it’s short, and it distances the child slightly from the "Lilibet" moniker that carried so much weight for Queen Elizabeth II.
But as any parent knows, you never just have one name for your kid.
The "Little Honey" Revelation
Recently, things got even cuter. In May 2025, Meghan shared a rare glimpse into their home life through a video of her and Lilibet harvesting honey from their own backyard hives. The caption? "Harvesting honey with my little honey."
It’s one of those classic "mom moments" that feels totally authentic. It’s not a formal title; it’s a term of endearment. Meghan has also been known to refer to her children collectively as "my little loves" or "my gems."
- Lili: The standard, everyday shortened version.
- Little Honey: A situational, sweet pet name used during family activities.
- Gems: A collective nickname used for both Archie and Lilibet.
The Drama Behind the "Lilibet" Name
We can’t talk about the nicknames without talking about the "Big Name" itself. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth about whether the Queen actually liked the name. Some royal biographers, like Robert Hardman, have suggested the Queen was "as angry as I’d ever seen her" because the Sussexes claimed they had her full blessing.
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On the other hand, sources close to Harry and Meghan insist he called his grandmother first. They say the name was intended as an "olive branch." Whatever the truth, the choice to use Lilibet—a name originally created because a young Princess Elizabeth couldn’t pronounce "Elizabeth"—was a massive statement.
By leaning into nicknames like Lili and Little Honey, Meghan seems to be carving out a separate identity for her daughter. It’s a way to honor the past without letting the child be defined by it.
How It Compares to Archie’s Nicknames
It’s actually pretty funny to see the pattern. Archie, the older brother, has a whole list of names too. Meghan has been caught on camera calling him "Arch," "Bubba," and even "Little Pumpkin."
The Sussexes clearly prefer these informal, soft nicknames over the rigid protocol of the royal family. It fits their new life. They aren't in a palace; they’re in a sunny garden in Santa Barbara.
What This Means for the "Princess" Title
In 2023, the couple officially started using the titles "Prince" and "Princess" for their children. It was a big shift. But even then, the Meghan Markle nickname for Lilibet remained the dominant way she’s discussed. You won't hear Meghan saying, "Princess Lilibet, come here for your snack."
It’s almost always "Lili."
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This matters because it shows a deliberate attempt to balance two worlds. One world is the British Monarchy, where names are about succession and heritage. The other is their American life, where names are about personality and "vibes."
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you're trying to keep up with the ever-evolving world of the Sussexes, here’s how to interpret their naming choices:
- Watch the Instagram Captions: Meghan’s lifestyle brand and social media presence are where the real nicknames slip out. "Little Honey" came from a caption, not a press release.
- Look for the "Lili" Spelling: The couple specifically chose the spelling "Lili" (with one 'l' in the middle) rather than "Lily." This keeps the connection to "Lilibet" while making it distinct from the flower.
- Note the Context: Formal events usually stick to "Lilibet," while "Lili" is used for anything personal or casual.
The way Meghan and Harry handle nicknames tells us more about their parenting style than any interview ever could. They want their kids to feel "normal," even if their names are known by millions.
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Check out the latest updates on the Sussexes' official website or follow reliable royal correspondents like Omid Scobie to see if any new pet names emerge as the kids get older. Usually, as toddlers start talking, they end up giving themselves nicknames—so we might be in for a surprise soon.