Princess Diana's Former Butler Paul Burrell Was 'Absolutely Gobsmacked' When He Heard Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Daughter's Name
People were divided when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their daughter, Lilibet Diana, after the Queen — who went by the nickname when she was younger — and the late Princess Diana.
But one person not pleased with the couple's choice is Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell.
"I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard the baby's name. Having worked alongside the Queen for over a decade, I know just how deeply personal, private and precious that name is to her," he told Closer magazine. "No one would dare refer to her as that — it was only for those closest to her. I know Harry said the Queen did approve — but that totally surprises me."
He added, "I don't doubt Harry and Meghan both believe it's a tremendous tribute to her. But I know it's such an intimate name and not one that she'd ever want to be used generally. I think it's very inappropriate."
Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, George V, gave her the nickname as a child as he had trouble pronouncing her first name. Later on, Prince Philip would frequently called the 95-year-old by her childhood moniker.
Burrell was surprised that they didn't name the baby after Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. "I honestly don't think Doria was commercial enough for them — Lilibet and Diana have an immediate association, but Doria doesn't. I thought it was very off they didn't pay tribute to her. They have spent time criticising Harry's family — yet name their daughter after the head of it."
Royal expert Angela Levin also thought Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, should have thought twice about their newborn's name.
"I don’t think it’s a good idea — I think it’s quite rude to Her Majesty Her Queen," she stated on Good Morning Britain. "It was a very private nickname from her husband, who hasn’t been dead for very long."
"We knew what it was but it was his name — [the Duke of Edinburgh] wanted that name for her, it was a special name," she continued. "I think it’s quite demeaning, I really believe that."
