King Charles had a grand plan for Princess Lilibet’s second birthday gift, but his son, Prince Harry, advised him to opt for something less extravagant. The monarch had envisioned custom-made cubby houses reminiscent of the ones Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret had as children. However, Harry’s warning prompted Charles to reconsider his gift choice. Despite the secrecy surrounding Lili’s birthday party, it is speculated to have taken place at Harry and Meghan’s luxurious Montecito home. Notably, the royal family refrained from posting public birthday tributes for Lili on social media, signaling a departure from their previous practices.
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King Charles’s Initial Plan for Lilibet’s Birthday Gift
Charles had intended to give his granddaughter, Lilibet, an opulent gift for her second birthday. Reports suggest that he considered custom-made cubby houses, similar to those enjoyed by the queen and Princess Margaret during their childhood. The king wanted to offer Lili something memorable and personal—a surprise that she would cherish forever.
Prince Harry’s Advice on Gift Selection
Prince Harry intervened in his father’s gift plans and urged him to choose something less extravagant for Lilibet. Details about Harry’s specific recommendations remain undisclosed. However, his counsel prompted Charles to reconsider his initial intentions and explore alternative gift options.
Lilibet’s Birthday Party Speculations
Though the exact details of Lilibet’s birthday party have been kept under wraps, insiders suggest that the celebration took place at Harry and Meghan’s lavish £16 million Montecito residence. The private nature of the festivities aligns with the decision by senior royals, including King Charles, to abstain from sharing public birthday tributes on Twitter, which had been customary in the past.
Departure from Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Tradition
The royal family’s decision to refrain from publicly acknowledging Lilibet’s birthday contrasts with the practices of Queen Elizabeth II. Last year, the late queen honored her great-granddaughter by posting a heartfelt Twitter message on her first birthday. However, the strained relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family following their documentary series and memoir release likely influenced this change in tradition.
Prince Archie’s Fourth Birthday Celebration
In May, Prince Archie, Lilibet’s elder brother, celebrated his fourth birthday. Coinciding with King Charles’ Coronation Day, Archie received a remarkable gift—a brand new bike with stabilizers. The bicycle was gifted by a local bike store near Harry and Meghan’s Montecito residence. The couple expressed their gratitude by sending a heartfelt letter to the store owners, expressing their appreciation for the generous present.
Conclusion:
While King Charles had initially planned an extravagant gift for his granddaughter Lilibet’s second birthday, Prince Harry’s advice led him to consider a more modest option. The exact gift chosen remains unknown, as the royal family has kept Lili’s birthday celebrations private. This departure from the traditional public tributes seen during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign reflects the strained relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family. Nonetheless, Archie’s recent birthday celebration highlighted the couple’s gratitude for the thoughtful gifts received by their children.