Princess Kate’s Heartwarming Comment About Niece Lilibet Takes on New Meaning Years Later

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly only days away from returning to Britain with their children, a move that could create new opportunities to repair some of the relationships that have remained strained within the Royal Family.

One relationship attracting particular attention is that between the Wales family and Princess Lilibet. Prince William and Princess Catherine are believed not to have met Harry and Meghan’s youngest child, who was born in California in June 2021.

Shortly after Lilibet’s birth, Catherine was asked during a royal engagement whether she had yet spoken to her newborn niece over FaceTime.

When questioned, the Princess gave a straightforward response: “No, I haven’t. No.”

Catherine also expressed her warm wishes for her newborn niece at the time, making it clear that she hoped they would have an opportunity to meet in person.

“I wish her all the very best. I can’t wait to meet her, because we haven’t yet… met her yet, so hopefully that will be soon,” the Princess said.

Five years on, that long-awaited introduction could finally become possible as Harry and Meghan reportedly prepare to spend an extended period in Britain with their children.

Despite the distance and tensions between the two families, William and Catherine reportedly acknowledged Lilibet’s arrival when she was born. Royal author Russell Myers revealed that the couple sent a present and congratulatory card to Harry and Meghan in the United States.

Writing in William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, Myers explained: “As Harry and Meghan welcomed the birth of their daughter Lilibet on 4 June 2021, William and Catherine sent a gift and a card of congratulations – although that would be the extent of their contact.”

READ MORE: Meghan Markle’s UK Return Could Spark New Battle for the Spotlight With Princess Kate

Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with both of their children in June 2022 to take part in celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

The visit gave Princess Lilibet, who had recently turned one, the opportunity to meet members of her royal family in person. During the trip, she reportedly met her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, as well as her grandfather, King Charles, for the first time.

However, despite both families being in the UK at the same time, William and Catherine are not believed to have had a private meeting with Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet during the Jubilee celebrations.

How hаve the royal family reactеd to Harry & Meghan’s shock nеws?

King Charles is understood to have learned about his son’s unexpected plans to return to Britain only three days before the news became public.

Despite the relatively short notice, the 77-year-old monarch is reportedly positive about the development. Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, is said to welcome the prospect of having Harry and his family closer.

The Sussexes’ return could give the King considerably more opportunities to spend time with his son and grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—something that is also likely to be welcomed by Harry.

Prince William, however, is reportedly far less enthusiastic about Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain. HELLO!‘s Royal Editor Emily Nash believes the Prince and Princess of Wales are unlikely to be particularly pleased by the development.

Speaking on A Right Royal Podcast, Nash suggested that relations remain too strained for William and Catherine to immediately embrace the Sussexes following years of tension.

“I can’t see a world in which they would be welcoming them back with open arms,” she said, while noting that King Charles would likely have discussed the situation with William after learning of Harry’s plans.

Nash also stressed that the Waleses were reportedly informed before the news became public, meaning they were not caught completely by surprise.

“We believe the Waleses were made aware beforehand. They didn’t find out at the same time as the rest of the world. So they’ve had time to process this,” she explained.

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