How UK newspapers covered the birth of Harry and Meghan’s daughter

A British paper has ripped into the Sussexes on its front page, criticising Harry and Meghan for their controversial baby name.

British tabloid newspaper The Daily Star has issued a stunning sledge towards Harry and Meghan on its front page, mocking the couple’s requests for privacy in light of their divisive baby name, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

The choice to use the Queen’s family nickname has garnered a mixed response online, with some applauding the touching nod to the monarch, and others scoffing at the move in light of Harry’s bombshell recent remarks about his relatives.

The Daily Star took a strong stance towards the latter, with the headline, “Woman has a Lil Baby,” and subhead: “Spotlight-dodgers ensure totally normal low-key birth by naming kid after the Queen,” referencing their move to step down as senior royals in favour of a quieter life away from the relentless British media.

Ouch.

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The Daily Star’s front page.

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Lilibet was the Queen’s family nickname and the name her late husband Prince Philip used to call her.

The name was first used when Princess Elizabeth was just a toddler and unable to pronounce her name correctly. Her grandfather King George V would affectionately call her “Lilibet”, imitating her attempts to say “Elizabeth”.

Other UK publications took a straighter approach, with the Daily Mirror opting for “Our girl Lilibet Diana: Daughter named in honour of the Queen and his mum.”

The Daily Mirror played it straight.

The Metro called it a “Gran Gesture”.

The Metro also took a straight approach with its front page.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail issued its own veiled criticism with the question on everyone’s lips: “New baby Sussex given Queen’s family nickname (but did they even ask her?)”

The Daily Mail questioned if the Queen knew about the name before the announcement.

“Our Lil’ Princess: Newborn named after Queen & Diana,” wrote The Sun – although Lilibet won’t have a royal title.

The Sun’s front page.

“Lilibet Diana … Harry & Meghan’s baby tribute to a very special granny and great granny,” gushed the Daily Express.

The Daily Express talked of the tribute to the baby’s gran and great-gran.

And The Times asked: “Will a new baby heal the rift?” with the headline, “Welcome Lilibet of California!”

The Times referenced the royal family's ongoing feud. Picture: Supplied

It comes amid raised eyebrows over the choice of name, with many of the couple’s biggest critics labelling it an unusual choice given their tumultuous family dramas.

Naturally, Piers Morgan took the opportunity to take a swipe at the couple’s “constant pleas for privacy” in his reaction, while Aussie reporter Peter Ford labelled it “not good form”.

Others called the move “odd” and “awful”.

There were plenty of well-wishes for the couple, too, with Ellen DeGeneres gently joking of the name: “I am more than a Lilibet excited to meet you.”

The internet is divided over the choice to name Archie’s little sister ‘Lilibet’. Picture: Supplied

Mum and bub doing well at home

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the arrival of their daughter overnight, with Meghan, 39, said to be doing “well” after giving birth in California on Friday morning.

The couple said in a statement: “It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world.

“Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11.40am in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

“She weighed 7lbs 11oz (3.5kg). Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.”

Their new bundle of joy will be a little sister to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned two in May.

“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet,” the couple said.

“Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honour her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.

“This is the second child for the couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

“The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.”

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple’s little bundle of joy, according to royal writer Omid Scobie, the world will have to wait a bit.

“The couple, who will not be sharing a photo at this time, are now on parental leave,” Scobie, a close friend of Harry and Meghan’s tweeted.

Originally published as How UK newspapers covered the birth of Harry and Meghan’s daughter