Queen ‘skips derby’ so she can meet baby Lilibet for first time on namesake’s birthday

The Queen is yet to meet her great-granddaughter – who was named in her honor – but there are reports that she has shared her anniversary plan so she can celebrate her first birthday in person next weekend

Lilibet, the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is said to be spending her first birthday meeting the Queen for the first time.

The Sussexes’ little girl was born in the US after they gave up official duties and has never met her royal relatives.

Over the weekend, the UK is celebrating the Queen’s incredible 70 years on the throne. Her Majesty is believed to be marking a new milestone – according to her little great-granddaughter The sun.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in town for the anniversary celebrations, staying at their former British residence, Frogmore Cottage, near Windsor Castle.

They are likely to be reunited with some members of the royal family who they have not seen since 2019, before Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping down from the company the following year.

The Queen is likely to miss her favorite sporting event on Saturday – the derby – to see Lilibet, who turns one on the day.

It would be only the third time in her long tenure that she missed the event as aid workers try to keep their workload to a minimum.

The Queen is a passionate horse owner and breeder and should be greeted on the course with a special guard of honour, including up to 40 of her past and present jockeys.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the rumored birthday plans, saying the Queen’s attendance at events would only be confirmed closer to the time.

It was reported this morning The Queen has vowed to make a double-balcony appearance as she braves her “mobility concerns” to celebrate her 70-year reign.

Her Majesty will delight the crowd by walking towards the facade of Buckingham Palace twice while giving her a kick Platinum Anniversary celebrations.

The performances take place during the monarch’s official birthday parade on Thursday, the start of the four-day bank holiday weekend.

A royal source said: “The Queen is determined to attend the anniversary celebrations. Trooping has been brought forward a week this year to be part of the anniversary and the Queen is keen to be there.”

The monarch is also hoping to join extended family for the thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York, 62, are expected to attend despite being stripped of their royal duties.

The nation’s longest-reigning monarch, who is currently on hiatus at Balmoral ahead of the anniversary, has faced episodic mobility issues in recent months.