Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, the youngest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is growing up far from the traditional halls of Buckingham Palace. Now three years old, Lilibet lives a quiet yet captivating life in Montecito, California, where her parents settled after retiring from royal duties in 2020.
Life in California
Harry and Meghan have consciously decided to give Lilibet and her brother, Prince Archie, a childhood filled with privacy, peace, and personal freedom. Unlike other royal children, Lilibet’s early years are not shaped by royal protocols or palace engagements. Instead, her life is anchored in family routines, home based learning, and outdoor adventures in the California sun.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex occasionally share glimpses of their family life. Recently, Meghan posted a black and white photo showing Prince Harry walking with Archie while Lilibet rode on his shoulders. The intimate moment reflected the family’s close bond, even as they face ongoing challenges with their relationship with the royal family.
Public Appearances and Home Moments
Though her parents essentially keep her out of the spotlight, Princess Lilibet made a rare public appearance in a video shared by Meghan earlier this year. The clip showed Lilibet helping make homemade strawberry jam and proudly calling it beautiful. It was a sweet insight into the grounded, hands-on experiences her parents prioritised.
Despite their move away from royal life, Harry and Meghan have kept their children’s titles. Lilibet was officially recognised as a Princess following King Charles III’s accession in 2022.
Challenges With Royal Ties and Security
Security is one of the biggest reasons for the family’s absence from UK public life. In February 2025, Prince Harry lost a legal appeal to receive taxpayer funded police protection in Britain. He stated that this decision makes bringing his children back for visits unsafe. As a result, Lilibet and Archie have not returned to the UK recently and have limited contact with royal relatives.
Harry has spoken about how difficult it is to be apart from family traditions but said his main priority is the safety of his children.
Celebrations and Personal Tributes
Princess Lilibet remains a central part of family celebrations. During Archie’s 6th birthday in early May, Meghan hosted a small gathering at home. Although Harry was away in Las Vegas for a charity event, he paid tribute to his children by wearing a cowboy hat that read Archie Lili my love during a night out with Meghan at a Beyoncé concert.
These personal touches show that while public appearances are rare, the children remain at the heart of the couple’s life and values.
Conclusion
Princess Lilibet grew up in a world far removed from the rigid structure of royal life but rich in love, freedom, and family focus. Her story reflects a modern version of royalty, where personal choice, well-being, and individuality matter more than tradition. As she grows older, Lilibet’s journey will likely continue to draw public attention, not just for her lineage but also for the unique upbringing her parents are shaping for her.
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