Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly incensed when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, claimed they had her blessing to name their daughter Lilibet, the Queen’s childhood nickname. This revelation comes from British journalist Robert Hardman's upcoming biography, "Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story," serialized by the Daily Mail.

Hardman's book, based on conversations with royal family members, friends, and palace staff, suggests that the late monarch was highly displeased with the Sussexes' assertion. One insider recalled the Queen being "as angry as I'd ever seen her" following the 2021 announcement. This claim contradicts the couple's insistence that they had received royal approval for using the nickname.

The controversy around the name Lilibet emerged after the BBC published a report citing an unnamed Palace source who alleged that Harry and Meghan did not seek the Queen's permission before deciding on the name. In response, the Sussexes' legal team issued warnings against broadcasters and publishers, labeling the claims as false and defamatory.

According to Hardman, the Queen's reaction to this naming issue reflects a broader pattern of 'recollections may vary' in the royal family, a phrase notably used by the Queen in response to the Sussexes' claims in their explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Despite the legal threats, Hardman notes that the Sussexes did not pursue any libel actions against the BBC.

In a statement defending their choice, Prince Harry and Meghan's representative emphasized that the Duke had consulted his grandmother first before the public announcement. "His grandmother was the first family member he called," the representative said. "During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name."

This latest revelation adds another layer to the complex and often strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family. It underscores the delicate balance of personal choices and public perceptions that members of the royal family must navigate, particularly in matters as personal as naming a child.

Hardman's book, expected to provide an in-depth look at the inner workings of the royal family, will likely shed more light on the dynamics between Queen Elizabeth II and her grandchildren, particularly in the wake of Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from official royal duties and their move to the United States.