Princess Diana's Former Butler Paul Burrell Was 'Absolutely Gobsmacked' When He Heard Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Daughter's Name
People were divided when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their daughter, Lilibet Diana, after the Queen — who went by the nickname when she was younger — and the late Princess Diana.
But one person not pleased with the couple's choice is Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell.
"I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard the baby's name. Having worked alongside the Queen for over a decade, I know just how deeply personal, private and precious that name is to her," he told Closer magazine. "No one would dare refer to her as that — it was only for those closest to her. I know Harry said the Queen did approve — but that totally surprises me."
He added, "I don't doubt Harry and Meghan both believe it's a tremendous tribute to her. But I know it's such an intimate name and not one that she'd ever want to be used generally. I think it's very inappropriate."
Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, George V, gave her the nickname as a child as he had trouble pronouncing her first name. Later on, Prince Philip would frequently called the 95-year-old by her childhood moniker.
Burrell was surprised that they didn't name the baby after Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. "I honestly don't think Doria was commercial enough for them — Lilibet and Diana have an immediate association, but Doria doesn't. I thought it was very off they didn't pay tribute to her. They have spent time criticising Harry's family — yet name their daughter after the head of it."
Royal expert Angela Levin also thought Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, should have thought twice about their newborn's name.
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"I don’t think it’s a good idea — I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen," she stated on Good Morning Britain. "It was a very private nickname from her husband, who hasn’t been dead for very long."
"We knew what it was but it was his name — [the Duke of Edinburgh] wanted that name for her, it was a special name," she continued. "I think it’s quite demeaning, I really believe that."