During Princess Lilibet’s first birthday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the UK to mark the milestone.
The late Queen Elizabeth II had hoped to join the festivities but was left out as the couple decided to host a picnic at Frogmore Cottage before heading back to America.
The Queen was said to be “confused” and “offended” by their abrupt departure without bidding farewell, stirring emotions within the Royal household.
It was a moment of joy for the late monarch when she learned that her great-granddaughter was named after her childhood nickname ‘Lilibet’, which she used when she couldn’t pronounce her own name, Elizabeth.
However, reports suggest that the Queen felt a pang of sorrow due to the distance from Lilibet following Harry and Meghan’s move abroad, reports the Express.
She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, understanding the value of these relationships.
Former Royal footman Paul Burrell revealed: “On Lilibet’s first birthday the Queen didn’t see her – she saw her the day before. But on her birthday, the Queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit.”
Lilibet’s first birthday was marked with a simple picnic at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, rather than any grand celebration. Paul shared an anecdote about the Queen expressing her wish for the family to join her for tea the following day, only to be surprised by their early departure back to America.
The Queen’s reaction was one of confusion: “What do you mean they’ve gone?”
He went on to express his own disappointment on behalf of the Queen.
Reflecting on the Queen’s character, he said: “Well, I don’t understand anyone that could do that. Not her family, why would you want to? She was devoid of jealousy, anger, envy, all those traits that we associate with other people she didn’t have. She was just a very simple soul. I wish the world could have known her the way I knew her.”
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