Decoding Queen Elizabeth's Nickname Lilibet in The Crown

Summary

Queen Elizabeth II, known affectionately as Lilibet, was the central figure in Netflix's "The Crown" which chronicled her life as the English monarch.

Lilibet, the Queen's affectionate nickname, stemmed from her early years when she encountered difficulty pronouncing her given name, Elizabeth. Limited to her closest family members, she embraced this endearing moniker.

Paying homage to Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their daughter Lilibet Diana, shedding light on the Royals' intimate and relatable attributes that are seldom depicted in "The Crown."

Queen Elizabeth II was a central figure in Netflix's The Crown, known simply as Lilibet to those closest to her. Created by Peter Morgan and premiering in 2016, The Crown follows Queen Elizabeth II's life from before she ascended to the throne to the present day. The show combines the true story with some editorialization, presenting the captivating drama of TV series. Throughout its six seasons and nearly a decade on air, The Crown has evolved alongside the changing times. While different actors portray Queen Elizabeth, her character remains steadfast and unwavering. Although the series often focuses on the events surrounding the Queen rather than her inner thoughts, her influence remains the driving force behind the show. Despite the untouchability often associated with the British Royals, small details like Queen Elizabeth's Lilibet nickname humanize her character.

Queen Elizabeth Called Herself "Lilibet" As A Little Girl

The details of Elizabeth's early childhood were not depicted in The Crown. However, her nickname, Lilibet, originated when she was a young child. According to Marie Claire, as a small child, Elizabeth had difficulty pronouncing her own name and started referring to herself as Lilibet, a common nickname for Elizabeth at the time. This nickname stuck, and she even used it when signing off letters to close associates. Lilibet was a term reserved for those closest to the Queen, including her grandparents and parents. While the nickname was not frequently used in The Crown, it was revived in a famous quote attributed to King George VI, Elizabeth's father. Vogue reports that he referred to his daughters by saying "Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy," reflecting his relationship with them. Despite Elizabeth's more practical nature compared to her sister, her floral nickname contrasted with her serious demeanor. Lilibet became a personal greeting for the Queen, representing the human being behind her grand title and responsibilities.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Named Their Daughter Lilibet Diana

While The Crown delves into the timeline of the Royal Family during Queen Elizabeth II's reign with dramatic flair and television allure, it is crucial to remember that the characters depicted are, in fact, real individuals. Amidst all the controversy enveloping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the couple still managed to pay homage to their Royal lineage, albeit in an unorthodox manner. By bestowing the name Lilibet Diana upon their daughter, they paid a heartfelt tribute to both Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, and his grandmother.

It is customary for members of the Royal Family to name their children after relatives and ancestors, but Harry and Meghan decided to depart from tradition by incorporating a beloved nickname. Lilibet held an endearing significance for Queen Elizabeth, and even though some criticized its usage, it showcased the relatable side of the Royals, a facet unseen in The Crown. To Harry, Queen Elizabeth was "grandma," and this affection is poignantly expressed through the utilization of the nickname for the newest addition to the Sussex family, the Princess.