Prince Harry's 'persistent' request turned down by late Queen 'in just two words'

Prince Harry reportedly pushed for an official snap of Elizabeth II and her great-granddaughter, Princess Lilibet, but the request was rejected.

Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

The late Queen reportedly turned down Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's photo request (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry asked the late Queen's permission for an official photo of Elizabeth II, Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, who celebrates her third birthday today. The request was turned down in just two words, according to reports.

It was made in 2022 when the Sussexes were in the UK to help mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Lilibet turned one on that trip, during which the late Queen met Harry and Meghan Markle's daughter, who is named after Elizabeth II's family nickname.

Elizabeth II met her 11th great-grandchild for the first time during the visit, and was reunited with Prince Archie too.

Reports claim Harry and Meghan were keen to have an official photograph taken of Elizabeth II and Princess Lilibet. But The Sun reported the Sussexes were told there was "no chance" after seeking permission for a snap.

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Prince Harry, Prince Archie, Meghan Markle and Princess Lilibet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have largely kept their children out of the spotlight (Image: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex)

Royal expert Camilla Tominey claimed Harry was "persistent" in wanting a photo taken, writing in the Telegraph that when the couple made "another beeline" for Windsor Castle, the late monarch refused their request to have professional photographs taken with Archie and Lilibet.

Ms Tominey added: "Claiming she had a bloodshot eye, she adroitly denied the Sussexes the photo opportunity they craved.

"Harry was 'persistent', according to those party to the meeting, expressing a desire to get an official snap of the two Lilibets together at some point in the future. But of course, it was never to be. She died three months later."

Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. A statement said at the time: "Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet.

"Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honour her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the National Service of Thanksgiving

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brought Archie and Lilibet to the UK in 2022 (Image: Getty)

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - National Service of Thanksgiving

The visit was the first time the late Queen Elizabeth II met Princess Lilibet (Image: Getty)

Lilibet was christened at Harry and Meghan's home in March 2023 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.

Among those reported to have attended the intimate gathering were Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, Lilibet's godfather Tyler Perry and an unnamed godmother. None of her royal relatives were at the service.

Harry and Meghan keep their two children out of the media spotlight for the most part. They have given fans a few rare glimpses into their lives over the past few years.

According to People magazine, Harry and Meghan marked Lilibet's third birthday with a gathering at their Montecito mansion last weekend.

The same publication reported that close friends and pals of the princess were among the guests.

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