The late monarch’s
grandson, Prince Harry, released a statement celebrating the life of Her
Majesty, thanking her for their special times together and making reference to
the first moment she hugged her beloved grandchildren.
Harry wrote: “Granny,
while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all
of our first meetings – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to
meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first
moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. I
cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in
between.”
As far as we’re aware, the
Queen met her great-grandson, Archie, twice and her great-granddaughter
Lilibet, once. Lilibet is named after the monarch’s childhood
moniker, used by close family. They may well have spent more time together than
the public is aware of, however.
The Queen first met Archie on
8 May 2019 at Windsor Castle. Along with her husband Prince Philip, the monarch
was pictured doting over her newborn great-grandson beside Duchess Meghan’s
mother Doria Ragland.
It’s also believed that Her
Majesty met Archie and Lilibet together in Windsor during her Platinum Jubilee
celebrations in June this year.
At the time, royal commentator
and friend of the Sussexes, Omid Scobie, told BBC Breakfast that Harry,
Meghan, Archie and Lilibet had a private family lunch with the Queen, which
coincided with Lilibet’s first birthday on 4 June.
Unfortunately for the royals,
Archie and Lilibet’s first years coincided with the COVID pandemic which kept
families apart. The Sussexes also relocated to live in America, meaning family
gatherings between the monarch and themselves were more difficult.
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Prince Harry’s daughter Lilibet
Harry and Meghan are currently
staying at their British home, Frogmore Cottage on the royal Windsor estate, as
they mourn the Queen and prepare to attend her funeral. It’s not known whether
Archie and Lilibet are being cared for at their Montecito home in California,
possibly by Meghan’s mother, or if the children are in the UK with their
parents.
