Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, arrived into the world on June 4, 2021, and a year later, we’re finally getting a glimpse of her. On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released the very first photo of Lili in honour of her 1st birthday, which was on Saturday.
According to a spokesperson for the couple, Markle and Harry invited close friends and family for a “casual, intimate backyard picnic” at their Frogmore Cottage home to celebrate Lili’s birthday over the weekend. Baker Claire Ptak from East London’s Violet Bakery, who famously created Markle and Harry’s wedding cake, designed a special birthday cake in Lili’s honour.
Photographer Misan Harriman, who is a close friend of the Sussexes, took the candid photo of Lili and also shared more photos on his Twitter from the celebration, which he attended with his wife and children. “It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around ❤️🎂🎉,” Harriman tweeted alongside the sweet photos.
In addition to celebrating her first birthday, Lili’s recent visit to the UK marked her first time in the country and her first time meeting her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whom she’s named after.
Harry and Markle announced the birth of their daughter on June 6, 2021, with a statement that read: “The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.” According to a representative for the couple, she was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA, and weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. Her sweet name pays tribute to both the queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet, as well as Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. Lili joins the couple’s 3-year-old son, Archie, and is eighth in line to the throne.
