Lilibet Diana is not the first royal baby to share a name and she won't be the last

As with anything Harry and Meghan do, when they named their newborn daughter Lilibet Diana as a tribute to the Queen and Harry's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, it lit up the media and royal twitter with the fury of a thousand suns. The Sussex's are now lawyering up. I've even waded into the controversy by firing up my blog again! 

Lilibet is a name from the Queen's childhood, used by parents, late-husband, cousins, and close friends. Stories abound around the origin of the name. Her parents or grandparents gave it to her. Princess Margaret 'bestowed' it on her older sister because she could not pronounce it. In fact the nickname has a simpler origin, the Queen gave it to herself at 2 1/2 years old because she could not pronounce her own name. If she had known the nickname would set off a controversy 95 years later, would she have pronounced something different?  Who knows the mind of a 2 1/2 year old. 

Choosing the name for a royal baby can be fraught with complexities we mere mortals can only imagine. There's the fury of royal twitter, and potential global disapproval to contend with. In the oft chance the baby becomes monarch, a suitable name is required. No Apple, Dylan, North, Chicago or Dream, please. Instead, we have names imbrued with royal history that sound heavy, stale and old fashioned. The Queen herself was named after her mother. In 1926, her father, the Duke of York (later King George VI), wrote to his own father, King George V, hoping 'there won't be a muddle over two Elizabeths in the family'. Everyone seems to have survived until now. 

Because family tree names get recycled, sometimes royals share them. In some cases, whether they like it or not. In Queen Victoria's day, she insisted that her female descendants bear the name Victoria and male line descendants, Albert. Although Albert is still around, the name Victoria is infrequently used. It did not come back into rotation until the 1966 birth of Princess Alexandra's daughter, Marina Victoria Alexandra Ogilvy. The next appearance was in 1990, with the birth of Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena. In its place we have Elizabeth. Apparently you can never have enough Elizabeths in the family!

Lilibet Diana is not the first royal baby to share a name with another family member. And she won't be the last. Here are some examples of royal children, including siblings, who have shared names without causing any controversy or lawsuits whatsoever.

Alexander

Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge

Alexander Patrick Gregers Richard, Earl of Ulster

Prince Richard Alexander Walter George, Duke of Gloucester

James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn

Alexander Charles Ogilvy, son of James Ogilvy

Christian Alexander Mowatt, son of Marina Ogilvy

Edward

Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, Earl of Wessex

Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, Duke of York

Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick, Duke of Kent

Lord Nicholas Charles Edward Jonathan Windsor


Elizabeth

Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, Princess Royal

Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge

Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary of York

Zara Anne Elizabeth Tindall

Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor

Lady Sarah Frances Elizabeth Chatto

Lady Davina Elizabeth Alice Benedikte Lewis

Lady Margarita Elizabeth Rose Alleyne Armstrong Jones

Lena Elizabeth Tindall

James

James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn

James Robert Bruce Ogilvy

Nicholas

Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick, Duke of Kent

Lord Nicholas Charles Edward Jonathan Windsor

George Philip Nicholas, Earl of St Andrews

Charles

Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales

Prince Henry Charles Albert David, Duke of Sussex

Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge

David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon

Charles Patrick Inigo Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley

Lord Nicholas Charles Edward Jonathan Windsor

Philip

Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge

James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn

August Philip Hawke Brooksbank

Lucas Philip Tindall

George

Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge

Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales

George Philip Nicholas, Earl of St Andrews

Prince Edward George Nicholas Paul Patrick, Duke of Kent

© Marilyn Braun 2021

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Dear Harry and Meghan, Happy anniversary to you and to what might have been

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Two years ago, I watched in awe as Prince Harry finally got his happily ever after. Looking at Meghan's ecstatic face, bouncing with joy, as she joined Harry at the altar, you would never have suspected the family controversy only days before. The only evidence was Meghan walking alone, part way, up the aisle. Creating one of the most compelling royal wedding images ever.

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Today was indeed special. Harry had spent the last 7 years playing third wheel to William and Catherine at joint engagements. Now he would finally have a happy family of his own. There were signs this ceremony would be different, it was more personal and less formal. Judging by the reaction shots of the royals during the ceremony, they seemed uncertain how to respond to Bishop Michael Curry's energetic sermon. I doubt St George's Chapel had ever hosted an American gospel choir within its 500 year history. It was an unforgettable and unique day.

At the time. William, Catherine, Harry and Meghan, were lauded as the 'Fab Four'. Two years on, the royal family looks very different. It is hard to celebrate when the two couples held such promise for the future. Each generation plays a role in reinvigorating an institution viewed by many as outdated in democratic society. Queen Victoria was 18 when she inherited the throne, a fresh start after reigns of dissolute kings. King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their young family, offered stability after the abdication crisis. Their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II, heralded a new future when she made her 21st birthday speech in South Africa in 1947.

Each heir has a path, a predetermined future, providing continuity people expect. But there are consequences when you step out of your lane or ignore it altogether. Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor, was a counterpoint to his stuffy parents. He brought the worst controversy in modern royal history. Princess Margaret had a scandalous relationship with Peter Townsend. Charles, Diana, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson brought their own troubles. Diana's death struck a different blow. For all of the doom and gloom predictions, the royal family survived, as they always do. But it is somewhat ironic that Camilla, the source of so much anguish in Charles and Diana's marriage, should be the one to help steady the ship.

William and Catherine are now caretakers of the future. Harry and Meghan tried to mould a different future and paid a high price in trying. Despite good intentions, maybe they never had a chance to begin with. Regardless of what happens in the future, the royal institution will continue, as it always does.

Today is Harry and Meghan's second wedding anniversary. A day to celebrate their happiness and joy. It is also a reminder of a promising future and what might have been.

© Marilyn Braun 2020

 Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

If being royal is so extraordinary, why do the royals want to be ordinary?

Being royal is clearly not all it is cracked up to be. Gilt here and there. Liveried footmen abound. Church bells ring on your birthday. Red carpet magically appears, the car is always filled with gas, and almost everyone is happy to see you. But for some royals, it just isn't enough. The lure of something different is irresistible. A lure that cannot be filled by private planes and beautiful clothes. For some, the siren call of elevator music is just too much to resist. We have done such a good job downplaying regular existence, the royals can't help be intrigued. For Harry and Meghan, leaving it all behind and becoming one with the rest of us. Let us welcome them.

Dear Harry and Meghan,

Welcome to your new lives. You are now, one of us. You've bemoaned your regal existence long enough. Now you are free. There is so much to introduce you to. You have probably read about us (err...Commoners) in books, or seen us on TV, but to see us in person, is to truly be believed. We will introduce you slowly to the more wonderful parts of our lives.

Most people your age are financially independent already but we understand it has been different for you. Let me say, there is truly nothing like the feeling of paying bills. Embrace feeling of relief as you make payments on time. The exhilaration of worrying whether you have enough money to cover them. Will you have to choose between eating and paying rent? Every month is a new adventure.

Of course, being a 'working royal', in the literal sense, you will need to find a job. Prince or Duchess positions are limited, and well, you wanted something new didn't you? Why play it safe? Just imagine the wonderful feeling when you finally land a position. A cubicle to call your own. You may or may not have natural light. Or co-workers who clip their nails beside you. But you'll get a security card. Trust me, there's nothing more reassuring than hearing the door buzz open. When it does, you will enjoy the exclusive privileges that come with arrival. A computer, phone, desk, chair and you might even get free coffee. You'll have to bring your own stapler.

You will need to get to work. This means you either have a car or you take transit. You know, those overpacked buses and trains? No one and we mean no one, stands on ceremony. Every person for themselves, even the pregnant and elderly. Note, unlike in your previous life, you wait for transit, it doesn't wait for you.

You may find yourself waiting in line. When you buy food, go to the bank, or when you need to renew your passport. Standing in line can be challenging, especially if you have a small child with you who suddenly needs to go to the bathroom when you're at the front of the line. This always happens. Always. Remember to fill out all the paperwork. You will now have to look after all of this yourself. Don't be alarmed when you're asked to take a photo. It's just an ID. You might find it traumatizing but this is normal. No one looks good in those photos.

From time to time you will interact with others by phone. Like the rest of us, you may spend time 'on hold'. This is perfectly normal and to be expected. It is just like waiting in line but with better music. Sometimes you will wait for 10 minutes (rare), sometimes over an hour (common). You will get disconnected, or passed from person to person, or told to call another number. Finding a helpful person is challenging, but don't give up or you'll lose your magical place in line. Only to begin the adventure all over again. Exciting isn't it?

This is now your reality. For. The. Rest. Of. Your. Lives. Day in and day out. Until. You. Die.

Harry and Meghan, where are you going?? You wanted to be ordinary, right?? Right??

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Places people, places! Harry and Meghan are back!

I normally refrain from voicing an opinion on Harry and Meghan without having an option for shelter. Especially on Twitter where a pile-on can be swift for those who dare to voice their opinions. Not all heroes wear capes. But if they did, they would be designed by Stella McCartney. Offering us protection in a stylish and sustainable way. Any other designer and you're on your own.

Yes, the unsung heroes. The Twitter warriors wading through the toxic battlefield so we don't have to. The next generation will thank us for their sacrifices against the immediate threat of a complete stranger's contrary opinion. Observing from above, the royal family is designing a medal. It will be called the Order of Think Before You Tweet. Don't you know there are wild-fires/starving children/poverty/environmental problems to remind others about?

This just in, Harry and Meghan have returned from their holidays. Places people, places! 7 days in to 2020 and we are off!

Harry and Meghan. Just the names make you suit-up. Oh those wacky Stans! Why can't they just understand? Or better yet, go away. Oh no, here they come! Block 'em and brag about being on the right side. Announcing you like Meghan and Catherine? (egads!) becomes just another thing to argue about. Why can't we just grab a coffee and hash it out?

Some say Harry and Meghan are to blame. They can't do anything right. Not when we've decided they're already wrong before they step off the plane.  We wouldn't have to argue if they did what we demand they do, right? Could they handle things differently? Depends on who you ask. Today's controversy will be tomorrow's tally point. Sending mixed messages by publicly thanking people for a private holiday? Oh the humanity!

The story may change but one thing is consistent, our reaction to it.

[Insert action we don't like]...furious typing...snack..furious retweet...snack...furious typing...lunch break..furious retweet...dinner...Rinse and repeat next week.

Now that we're off, grab a comfy chair. I'm making popcorn, do you want some?

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.