Lilibet's Royal Birthday Surprise: King Charles Gives Estranged Granddaughter Adorable Gift for Third Birthday
Princess Lilibet Diana received an adorable gift from her paternal grandfather King Charles III despite their estrangement.
Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet of Sussex turned 3 on Tuesday, June 4, and the American-born, seventh in line to the British throne, reportedly received a special gift from grandad King Charles III.
"King Charles had no intention of completely ignoring Lilibet's birthday, so he has sent a gift along with a message," royal author Tom Quinn told an outlet.
"He gave Prince George a beautiful hand-made wooden swing with George's name carved on it, and he has plans to give something similar to Lilibet but not this year," he added. "And not unless and until the family feud dies down."
Lilibet Diana lives with her parents Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with her 5-year-old brother, Prince Archie, in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' Montecito, Calif., mansion. Not much is known about the toddler, as Harry and Meghan have so far released less than a handful of pictures and blurry, concealed images of the princess. Unlike her British-born brother, Lilibet Diana came into the world and has been raised in the United States.
No further details of the party were released, except for reports reflecting that Sussex neighbors Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry were in attendance. No members of the British royal family or the estranged Markle household were present.
Prince Archie turned five on May 6, and Charles III is said to be "desperate" to have a relationship with his California grandchildren.
The head of state is also said to be upset with his estranged son and daughter-in-law since they keep insisting he speak to his grandkids via video, which he dislikes. "Charles been asking about video calling, but according to his aides, he’s uncomfortable with the idea," Quinn pointed out. "If he makes an ordinary telephone call to Harry, it means he can have a quick word with Archie without the need to talk to Meghan, a prospect that fills him with dread."
Prince Archie memorably turned four on the same date as his grandfather's coronation, May 6, of last year. The Duchess of Sussex stayed in Montecito with both children while the Duke of Sussex attended the grand event at Westminster Abbey. It is believed that the Sussex kids have not been in the U.K. since June 2022, when the late Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee.
As the British sovereign, King Charles technically and theoretically has custody over his Wales and Sussex grandchildren thanks to a 1717 royal prerogative from his ancestor, King George I. Although His Majesty is "yearning" to have a relationship with his estranged grandkids, sources say he would "never use an archaic royal command" in the 21st century.
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GBN reported on Quinn's comments.
