Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Name Daughter Lilibet Lily Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced the birth of their second child, a daughter named Lilibet Lily Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

The name is a tribute to both Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Diana.

However, the announcement has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing the couple of a complete about-face.

Royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, a senior aide to the Queen from 1988 until 2000, has voiced his surprise at the royal couple's choice of name given their recent feud with the family.

He said calling their daughter Lilibet was quite controversial, given the recent revelations in interviews with Oprah and Harry's appearance on a mental health programme for Apple TV.

Arbiter added that he was taken aback by the decision to honour the Queen in their new daughter's name, given Harry's criticism of his father and upbringing.

The Queen's Express spokesman has also accused the couple of a complete about-face.

The name Lilibet is the Queen's childhood nickname, and one used by her late husband Prince Philip during their decades of devoted marriage.

The Queen gave herself the nickname because she couldn't say Elizabeth as a child, and it stuck.

Mr Arbiter thinks it's rather cute, but it could be seen as quite controversial to christen a baby with a nickname.

Despite the criticism, the couple may have chosen the name as an olive branch to the royal family.

Only time will tell if it works.

Mr Arbiter wonders if taking the Queen's nickname for his baby is an olive branch.

Only Harry can answer that.

Choosing Diana's name for their baby isn't a surprise, as we all know Harry's closeness to his mother was such that her loss has caused him mental issues even 24 years on.

But Mr Arbiter wonders what Diana would have made of their daughter having her name as a middle, and not a principal name.

The new arrival is a little sister for Archie, who was born in 2019, and a new cousin for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

She is the Queen's 11th great-grandchild, the first of the monarch and Philip's great-grandchildren to be born since the death of the Duke in April.

It's not unusual for families to name babies after a parent or grandparent, but given everything that's gone on over the past few months, the couple's decision to honour the Queen in their new daughter's name is surprising.

The name could be seen as a peace offering, but only time will tell if it works.

Mr Arbiter doubts the little girl will grow up with any other Lilibets in her classes, although people in California call their children all sorts.

So maybe that's Harry and Meghan showing their independence again, just like Archie, another non-royal name.