'Such Happy News': Prince Charles Gushes Over New Granddaughter Lilibet Diana At U.K. Event
Jun. 8 2021, Published 12:38 p.m. ET
One happy grandpa! Prince Charles commented on the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new baby, Lilibet Diana, on Tuesday, June 8, while at an event.
“The development of technology like electric vehicles … is vital for maintaining the health of our world for future generations, something I am only too aware of today, having recently become a grandfather for the fifth time," he said while visiting the BMW Mini factory in Oxford, U.K.
“Such happy news really does remind one of the necessity of continued innovation in this area — especially around sustainable battery technology — in view of the legacy we bequeath to our grandchildren," he added.
Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, announced the exciting news on June 6 — two days after she gave birth.
"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," a statement from the couple said.
"Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home," the statement continued. "Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales."
Afterward, Buckingham Palace released a statement about the new tot.
"The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news of the birth of a daughter for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," they said.
Even though Harry dissed his dad in several interviews in the past few months, it seems like the prince wants to make amends with his family.
"It's a lovely gesture on the part of Harry and Meghan," royal expert Duncan Larcombe said. "The baby name is the first sign of an olive branch to the royal family. It's a sign they want to build bridges. There has never been any suggestion of a fallout with the Queen and Harry. His war is with the institution, not his grandmother."
"The Queen is hugely proud of the man Harry has become and she will be chuffed to bits over the name choice," he added. "She will see this as a loving gesture from her grandson. And I believe it's Harry's way of showing that he wants to honor one of the most important women in his life."
