EXCLUSIVE: One expert has pinpointed why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry often refer to their daughter as ‘Lili’ rather than ‘Lilibet’.

Princess Lilibet was born in 2021 (Image: Misan Harriman)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they had welcomed their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, just days after her birth in June 2021.

Princess Lilibet’s name is a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, as it was an endearing nickname used by people closer to her – including her parents, sister and Prince Philip.

Upon announcing the birth of their daughter, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex suggested she would commonly be known as ‘Lili’, as the moniker was used both in the official statement released by their office and in a message issued by the pair themselves.

The former read: “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.”

In their personal message following the princess’ birth, the couple said: “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

Prince Harry and Meghan wish to give their children as normal of a childhood as possible (Image: Misan Harriman)

Although “Lili” is the shortening of Lilibet, the couple, according to royal expert Christine Ross, could be using the moniker for one surprising reason.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Ross said this could be down to Meghan and Harry’s wishes to give their children as normal of a childhood as possible.

She said: “There is certainly a trend in baby names of giving family names, but shortening the name to give the new baby their own identity. Lili is a much more common name than Lilibet, and lends to Meghan and Harry’s desire for their children to have as normal a childhood as possible.”

This comes as just one day after Prince Harry’s memoir Spare is released in paperback. In the original copy of Spare, Harry featured a dedication to his wife Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, Princess Lilibet – ‘Lili’ – and his late mother, Princess Diana.

This, along with the contents of the book, have not changed in the paperback version. The foreword read: “For Meg and Archie and Lili…and of course, my mother.”

During an appearance at a school in Nigeria back in May, Meghan gave a rare update on her young daughter – whom she also referred to as ‘Lili’. She told students: “Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three. And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], ‘Mama, I see me in you’.”