Inside Queen Elizabeth’s Only Meeting with Princess Lilibet, According to Book

Queen Elizabeth II met Princess Lilibet just once before her death, according to a new biography. The brief encounter during the Platinum Jubilee offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a private family moment between the monarch and her great-granddaughter.

In June 2022, Queen Elizabeth II marked an unprecedented milestone: 70 years on the British throne. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations drew senior royals and extended family members back to the United Kingdom for a series of public and private events honoring her reign.

Among those returning were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who had stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California. They brought their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, making the trip especially meaningful for the Queen.

A First Meeting That Became the Last

According to Robert Hardman’s book "Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. Her Story," the Jubilee provided the setting for the Queen’s only meeting with Lilibet, who was just 1 year old at the time.

Hardman reports that the monarch was delighted by the long-awaited introduction, particularly because the child was named after her childhood nickname. During the visit, Lilibet spent time close to the Queen in a relaxed, informal setting, offering a glimpse of family life far removed from royal ceremony.

This private interaction stood in contrast to the highly choreographed public events taking place across the country. It highlighted a quieter side of the Queen’s final months, one centered on family connections rather than official duties.

Harry’s Memory of the Moment

Prince Harry also reflected on the visit in his memoir "Spare," recalling how the scene stayed with him after the Queen’s death. "I also couldn’t stop picturing [the children] with Granny. The final visit. Archie making deep, chivalrous bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch’s shins," he wrote.

Harry also described how the Queen responded to meeting Archie and Lilibet. He recalled that she appeared pleasantly surprised by their behavior, noting that she had expected them to be more energetic given their upbringing abroad.

"Sweetest children, Granny said, sounding bemused. She’d expected them to be a bit more…American, I think?" he added.

A Moment Framed by Loss

Just three months after the Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at age 96. Her death marked the end of a historic reign and brought renewed attention to her final months.

The meeting with Lilibet now carries added weight as the only time the two ever met. For the young princess, the encounter remains a singular connection to her great-grandmother.

A Personal Story Within a Public Legacy

While the Platinum Jubilee was a global event, stories like this reveal the personal side of the monarchy. Behind the formal appearances and public duties, the Queen remained deeply connected to her family.

The image of a toddler playing at her feet offers a rare and humanizing glimpse of a figure often defined by duty and tradition.

Queen Elizabeth II’s only meeting with Princess Lilibet stands as a quiet but meaningful moment in her final year. As accounts from trusted sources continue to emerge, they add depth to the public understanding of her life, showing not just a monarch, but a great-grandmother sharing time with her family.