The BBC had claimed that the royal couple did not ask the Queen's permission before naming their newborn daughter
Just days after giving birth to their second child, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again clashed with the press. This time, their spat is with the BBC over whether the couple consulted Queen Elizabeth II before naming their child after her.
Baby Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was named after her great-grandmother (whose family nickname is Lilibet), and her grandmother, the late Princess Diana.
The new addition to the royal family has sparked a lot of interest largely because of her unique and sentimental name.
Related: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Welcome Baby Girl Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
When Lilibet's name was announced, some thought that it was an attempt at repairing the strained relationships that have come about as a result of Meghan and Harry's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March this year.
In the interview, the couple accused the royal family of racism and of ignoring Meghan's declining mental health.
Related: Meghan Markle And Prince Harry's Oprah Interview: Everything You Need To Know
However, on Wednesday, the BBC published an article with a quote from an unnamed palace source who claimed that the couple did not seek the permission of Queen Elizabeth before they named their daughter.
Harry and Meghan were quick to retaliate by saying that she had been the first family member they called.
"During that conversation, he (Harry) shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour," their spokesperson said. "Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name."
Related: Prince Harry Says He Was Caught in a Cycle of “Pain and Suffering” in the British Royal Family
The Duke and Duchess have now gotten their lawyers to send a letter to certain media organisations saying that the BBC article was false and defamatory and that the allegations should not be repeated.
BBC has yet to respond to this and Buckingham Palace has said that they have no comment on the situation.
Despite this, the Queen has already issued a statement saying that she is delighted by the birth of Lilibet. Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were also dragged into Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, did the same on Instagram as well. Lilibet's grandfather Prince Charles commented that the birth was "happy news".
Related: Prince William: “We're Very Much Not a Racist Family”