Queen Elizabeth waited with birthday cake for Harry and Meghan’s daughter, only to find they had 'gone'

LONDON, ENGLAND: Queen Elizabeth II, the beloved matriarch of the British royal family, was known for her deep devotion to her family, particularly her 12 great-grandchildren.

Though each great-grandchild was dear to her, Queen Elizabeth II held a special place in her heart for her youngest great-granddaughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, whose name carried deep significance.

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor: A name honoring family legacy

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, was named in honor of her paternal great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was affectionately known as "Lilibet," and her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Reportedly, the endearing nickname "Lilibet" originated when a young Elizabeth struggled to pronounce her own name correctly. It stuck and became a cherished symbol of her innocence and warmth.

The name was passed down to Prince Harry’s daughter, paired with the middle name Diana, in honor of Harry’s late mother, the Princess of Wales.

This heartfelt gesture deeply touched the Queen. However, as Paul Burrell, the Queen's former footman, revealed, the distance between her and little Lilibet following Prince Harry and Meghan’s move to America was a source of sadness in her later years.

Despite her declining health, the Queen was determined to spend time with her mini namesake.

However, even during the family's visit to the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, opportunities to bond were limited.

“Even on Lilibet's first birthday the Queen didn't see her,” Burrell shared in an exclusive interview with The Mirror. “She saw her the day before. But on her birthday, the Queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit.”

While Lilibet’s birthday was celebrated at Frogmore Cottage with a backyard picnic, the Queen, who had hoped to join in the festivities, was unable to attend due to mobility issues.

Instead, she extended an invitation for tea the following day, only to learn that the family had already returned to America. “What do you mean they've gone?” she reportedly asked, “Oh no, they never said goodbye.”

Paul Burrell reflects on Queen Elizabeth II's final years

Queen Elizabeth II, known for her grace and composure, was said to be “confused” and hurt by the sudden departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Burrell, who had a close relationship with the Queen, expressed his disbelief at the situation, stating, “How could you offend our Queen? Well, I don't understand anyone that could do that. Not her family, why would you want to? She was devoid of jealousy, anger, envy, all those traits that we associate with other people she didn't have. She was just a very simple soul. I wish the world could have known her the way I knew her.”

As the second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death approached on September 8, the royal family reportedly prepared for a poignant and challenging period.

“All the family dearly loved our Queen, and they will all be remembering her in their own particular ways,” Burrell reflected. “She was a mother, a granny, a great granny to all of them. And they all miss her. Even Harry and Meghan, in Los Angeles, will be thinking about the Queen on her anniversary because Harry was a particular favourite.”

The Queen's final years were marked by a mixture of personal challenges and unwavering dedication to her role as the sovereign.

Her bond with Prince Harry, despite the physical distance and the complexities of his departure from royal duties, remained strong.

Nevertheless, the separation from her beloved family members, especially Lilibet, whom she wished to get to know better, left a lasting impression on her heart.

Paul Burrell, who shared a close bond with the Queen, recalled their continued “communication” until the end of her life, offering a window into the unique challenges she faced.