Meghan Markle marked Princess Lilibet’s 4th birthday on June 4 with a deeply personal Instagram tribute, including two never-before-seen photos — and a touching surprise for royal fans. The Duchess of Sussex revealed that baby Lilibet was wrapped in the same shawl once used for her big brother Prince Archie, continuing a royal family tradition.
The shared photo shows infant Lilibet asleep in Meghan’s arms, swaddled in the iconic white merino wool shawl by G.H. Hurt & Son — the same knit blanket Prince Archie was wrapped in during his first public appearance at Windsor Castle in 2019. The luxury British knitwear brand has been a staple for the royal family since 1948, when it first created a shawl for the newborn Prince Charles.
In the Instagram caption, Meghan wrote:
“Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives — and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!”
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021, in California — over a year after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States. Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, Lilibet has largely remained out of the public eye, making these glimpses rare and highly celebrated.
The sentimental photo not only highlighted Meghan’s connection to royal traditions but also reinforced the close bond between siblings Archie, 6, and Lilibet. Royal watchers quickly recognized the G.H. Hurt & Son shawl, noting how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex blend modern parenting with time-honored customs.
Prince Archie’s debut in 2019 broke with royal precedent by taking place at St. George’s Hall in Windsor Castle two days after his birth — a quieter, more private introduction compared to the hospital-step photo calls traditionally followed by royal mothers like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.
According to G.H. Hurt & Son, the Leaves and Flowers Baby Shawl — now retailing for $312 — takes three days to produce by hand. The small Nottingham-based business expressed pride in continuing their relationship with the royal family.
With this heartfelt tribute, Meghan once again captures global attention, offering a rare and intimate look at life behind palace walls — even from thousands of miles away.
