The Queen is 'desperate' to meet baby Lilibet as Sussex UK return remains uncertain

Queen Elizabeth II prepares to greet Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev at Buckingham Palace on November 4, 2015 in London, England.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Chris Jackson - WPA Pool)

The Queen is reportedly 'desperate' to meet her great-granddaughter Lilibet in person for the first time, as her first birthday approaches.

A royal author claims that the Queen is "desperate" to meet baby Lilibet for the first time, but the Sussex's big return to the UK looks uncertain.

The Queen, who is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee this year, has never met Prince Harry and Meghan’s second child, despite sharing a very special connection with her. Lilibet was named after the Queen’s childhood nickname, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paying tribute to the monarch with their daughter's name, despite stepping back from the royal family two years ago. 

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England.

Royal author Brian Hoey, told the Express, "I have heard from people I know within the Royal Household she really would desperately like to see the baby in this way."

Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly feeling pressure to return to the UK, with Harry determined for his children not to be robbed of royal life.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England.

However, plans have been thrown into disarray, amid a row surrounding Harry's security requests and continued royal rift. It’s even been claimed that Meghan now has "no plans" to ever return to the UK.

Another royal pro, Tim Bower, has warned that Harry could regret not taking this opportunity to see and introduce his daughter to his grandmother, who has suffered numerous health scares this year - including testing positive for Covid-19 just last month.

Bower told Closer that this decision would be the "ultimate test" for Harry, as "these are milestone moments and, sadly, time is running out".

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend at the annual Chelsea Flower show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015 in London, England.

He continued, "If they don’t come back soon, and Lilibet doesn’t meet the Queen and Harry doesn’t celebrate her life and reign with her, it could be something he comes to regret forever."

His father, Prince Charles, has also expressed his incredible sadness over not meeting Lilibet. He is also desperate to meet his granddaughter, even reportedly extending an invitation for the family to stay with him at Clarence House if they choose to return.

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard Diploma in Journalism from the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, fashion, and entertainment for Goodto.com and My Imperfect Life.