Over the past few years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have honed their skills in evading paparazzi, all the while managing to ignite the internet with a single, strategically placed photo release. When it comes to their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, they have clarified that their privacy is of utmost importance. But every now and then, a tiny nugget of information about their youngest, Lilibet, sneaks through the carefully crafted Sussex firewall. Indeed, this young princess is already proving to be a captivating presence.
From her striking ginger locks to her love for all things princess-related (because, of course), here’s everything we know about Princess Lilibet—so far.
The Royal Privacy Protocol: Sussex Edition
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s such a limited selection of Lilibet pics floating around, it’s all by design. Unlike her older brother, Archie, who had a few official royal baby moments before the big Sussex exit, Lilibet was born after her parents had peaced out of royal duties and moved to California. Translation? No hospital photo call, no formal introductions, no public christening.
Her official debut didn’t come until the Sussexes’ 2021 Christmas card, when she was already a solid six months old. Since then, the handful of images we’ve seen of her have been either carefully chosen moments in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan docuseries or blink-and-you’ll-miss-it glimpses on holiday cards—like their 2024 Christmas card, where both kids were shown from behind, running toward their parents. Subtle, stylish, and just vague enough to leave royal watchers hungry for more.
The Hair That Stole the Show
For a kid who rarely appears in public, Lilibet’s hair has already gotten A-list attention. And for good reason. She’s inherited a stunning cascade of fiery red hair—proof that Harry’s “ginger gene” is undefeated.
In a 2023 interview with Stephen Colbert, Harry himself seemed a little amazed by it, admitting, “I actually really genuinely thought at the beginning of the relationship that, should this go the distance and we have kids, that there’s no way the ginger gene will stand up to my wife’s genes. But, I was wrong.” And wrong he was, because Lilibet’s got those iconic Spencer family locks in full force.
By 2024, Harry was still talking about Lilibet’s hair—this time at the WellChild Awards, where he revealed that not only was it long and thick (thanks, Meghan’s genes), but it was getting so lengthy she might soon be able to sit on it. Whether she’s had a trim since remains a mystery, but let’s be honest—if Meghan ever posts an update, the internet will combust.
Lilibet’s Favorite Comfort Toy: A Relatable Parenting Moment
Speaking of the 2024 WellChild Awards, Harry also let slip a detail that will make every parent on the planet nod in recognition: Lilibet is deeply attached to her comfort toys.
During a conversation with a young awardee who had brought along a giraffe-themed lovie named “Ratty,” Harry had an instant dad moment, recognizing the toy immediately. “My daughter Lili has these lovies,” he shared, adding that every parent needs at least six backups for when one inevitably goes missing. Truer words have never been spoken.
The anecdote also had a full-circle moment. Turns out, Harry had met the same child back in 2019 when he was still a working royal and had a playful tug-of-war over the giraffe toy back then, too. Fast-forward a few years, and now it’s Lilibet who’s probably got her own small army of plush friends at home.
Finding Her Voice (And Using It, Loudly)
One thing we know for sure? Lilibet is no shrinking violet. Meghan spilled the tea on this during a 2024 event in Colombia, revealing that, at just three years old, her daughter already has thoughts—and she’s not afraid to share them.
“At 3, she has found her voice,” Meghan laughed, making it sound like there have already been some spirited mother-daughter debates in the Sussex household. But rather than trying to shush her, Meghan and Harry are fully embracing Lilibet’s outspoken nature.
According to Meghan, encouraging young girls to use their voices is crucial, and she’s proud that her daughter is already developing a strong sense of self. So, don’t be surprised if a grown-up Lilibet eventually follows in her mother’s footsteps, advocating for causes she cares about. (But for now, we’re guessing those causes involve more snacks, more bedtime stories, and possibly a later bedtime.)
Princesses Love Princesses
Of course, the irony of all ironies is that Lilibet—whose mother famously compared real-life royalty to The Little Mermaid’s Ariel losing her voice—apparently loves all things princess. Because of course she does.
This fun tidbit came courtesy of chef Adrian Lipscombe, who revealed on Instagram that she and Meghan bonded over their daughters both being in a “princess phase” and obsessed with fairytale movies. Now, whether The Little Mermaid is in the rotation is unknown, but if it is, that must make for some very interesting viewing parties.
She Has No Idea She’s a Princess (Yet)
Perhaps the most fascinating detail? Lilibet, despite technically being actual royalty, has no clue she’s a princess.
In August 2024, a source close to the Sussexes revealed that Harry and Meghan haven’t broached the whole “you’re an actual princess” topic just yet. “They’ll have those conversations in due time,” the insider told Us Weekly, adding that, for now, they just want Lilibet to grow up as a happy, normal kid without the weight of a royal title looming over her.
That same source also described Lilibet as “vibrant and happy”—which, honestly, sounds like the perfect way to sum her up. From what little we know, she’s a fiery-haired, strong-willed, princess-loving little girl with a collection of well-loved stuffed animals and a serious talent for making her parents beam. And even if we never see much of her, it’s safe to say she’s already a star in her own right.