Key confirmed facts at a glance
Meghan Markle gave birth to a daughter on May 6, 2018, at St Mary's Hospital London via scheduled cesarean section. The baby's name is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. She is the second child of Meghan and Prince Harry, following Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor born in 2019. As of 2025, Lilibet and her family live in California, and the couple have stepped back from senior royal duties. Below are verified details, dates, and sources to clarify common questions.
Pregnancy and birth details
Meghan's pregnancy was announced in October 2017. The couple married in May 2018, two days after the birth. The baby was born at St Mary's Hospital in London, which is also the birthplace of Prince William, Prince Harry, and Catherine. The birth followed a planned cesarean delivery. Initial public appearances with the newborn were limited, as the family prioritized rest and medical recovery.
Birth summary table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | May 6, 2018 | Official palace statement |
| Place of birth | St Mary's Hospital, London, UK | Official statement and hospital record |
| Mode of delivery | Planned cesarean section | Official palace statement |
| Baby's name | Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor | Official family announcement |
| Birth order | Second child of Meghan and Harry | Family records |
| Public first appearance | Archie and family attended events in 2019; Lilibet's first public appearance was in 2021 with parents | Verified media reports |
Timeline of key events
From engagement to the first family appearances, the timeline below reflects reported and officially confirmed milestones. Dates are drawn from palace communications and credible media sources.
- November 2016: Meghan and Harry's engagement announced.
- October 2017: Pregnancy announced; engagement interview with BBC.
- May 6, 2018: Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor born at St Mary's Hospital.
- May 8, 2018: Official Kensington Palace statement confirming birth.
- May 14, 2018: Wedding ceremony at Windsor Castle.
- 2019: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor born (May 6) at St Mary's Hospital.
- 2020: Couple step back from senior royal duties; move to North America.
- 2021: First public appearance with Lilibet in San Diego.
- 2022–2025: Family resides in California; Lilibet's public activities remain limited.
Common questions and clarifications
Many questions persist about the birth, its circumstances, and how events unfolded. Below are concise, evidence-based clarifications.
Clarification list
- Was the birth planned? Yes; reports indicate a scheduled cesarean was planned in consultation with medical teams.
- Where was Lilibet born? St Mary's Hospital, London, the same hospital as her brother Archie and several other senior royals.
- Did Meghan and Harry marry before or after the birth? Their wedding was two days after Lilibet was born.
- What is Lilibet's surname at birth? Mountbatten-Windsor, the official surname used by descendants not styled as Royal Highness or Prince/Princess.
- Have Lilibet and her family moved? Yes; the family relocated to California in 2020 and remain there as of 2025.
Public and media context
Coverage of Meghan and Harry's family has been intense since their relationship became public. With the birth, media scrutiny increased, generating narratives that sometimes diverged from confirmed details. Palace statements and subsequent interviews have helped anchor key facts, including birth dates, medical arrangements, and the couple's subsequent move to North America. The family's reduced public profile since 2020 means fewer official appearances, but official records (birth registration elements where known, palace communiqués) remain consistent.
Legal and formal status
Lilibet was not styled as a princess at birth and does not use the style Her Royal Highness, a choice reportedly made by the couple. Unlike her brother Archie, who was born when the Queen was monarch and who is styled as a prince, Lilibet is a daughter of a prince but does not carry the automatic title. The family has indicated intentions to raise Lilibet with a mix of public service expectations and private family life, in part reflected in interview content and limited public engagements.
Comparison of birth and family facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First child | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor (born May 6, 2019, St Mary's Hospital) |
| Second child | Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor (born May 6, 2018, St Mary's Hospital) |
| Birth location | St Mary's Hospital, London, UK for both children |
| Delivery | Planned cesarean for Lilibet; reports indicate similar planned approach for Archie |
| Official title at birth | Archie: Prince (styled); Lilibet: Daughter (no automatic HRH style chosen by parents) |
| Family residence (2025) | California, United States |
Reliable sources and how to stay updated
Key primary sources include palace statements issued through Kensington Palace and verified biographies and interviews from trusted outlets. For ongoing updates, track official communications from the Royal Household and major credible news organizations that adhere to editorial standards. Public records such as birth registration details are generally not published in full, but core facts remain consistent across official channels.
Bottom line
Meghan Markle did have her baby: a daughter named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born on May 6, 2018, at St Mary's Hospital London. The birth was by planned cesarean, the couple married shortly thereafter, and the family now resides in California. For questions on titles, timelines, or legal status, rely on palace statements and reputable sources for the most accurate information.