Royal Expert Says The Queen Is Desperate To Meet This New Royal Family Member In The Flesh

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stunned the world when they announced their plans to officially exit the royal family in early 2020, per People. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left their royal duties behind and opted to move to California with their son Archie. Following their departure, the Sussexes intensified reports of a rift between the royals when they sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they criticized the royal way of life and even shared their struggles with mental health (via CNN).

In the summer of 2021, Meghan and Harry welcomed their second child, daughter Lilibet Diana, named for both Harry's mother Princess Diana and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. While Harry has returned to the UK on two occasions following his royal exit, per Cosmopolitan, Meghan and the children have yet to return to the UK, and Harry's family hasn't met little Lilibet in person.

Fans are now wondering if Meghan and Harry will return to Britain this year for Prince Philip's memorial, or the celebration of the queen's Platinum Jubilee (via Page Six). Meanwhile, Elizabeth is said to be eager to meet the newest member of her family face-to-face and is reportedly hoping that the Sussexes will journey across the pond in the near future, despite tension within the family.

According to The Express, royal author Brian Hoey recently opened up about Queen Elizabeth's desire to meet her young great-granddaughter Lilibet, whom she's never seen in person. The little girl is the youngest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and was born in California, while her older brother Archie was born in the UK. "I have heard from people I know within the Royal Household she really would desperately like to see the baby in this way," Hoey said. "I think she would love to, I wonder whether it is going to happen, I would love to think it could."

Hoey revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could easily build a bridge by returning home to introduce Lilibet to the queen. "It would be a very easy thing for the rift to be healed between them. I am absolutely sure the Queen holds no feelings of disapproval towards Harry and Meghan, none whatsoever, she would certainly welcome them back if they came."

Meanwhile, Harry has expressed his love for the UK and his wishes to return home. However, security issues have gotten in the way of his plans to come home with his family. So, for now, things are up in the air when it comes to a Lilibet and Elizabeth meeting.