Inside Harry and Meghan's birthday bash for Lilibet's third birthday in Montecito mansion

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been in high spirits as they celebrated a milestone for their daughter, Princess Lilibet, who turned three last month on Tuesday, 4 June.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also doting parents to five year old son Prince Archie, are said to have hosted a cosy pre-birthday gathering for their youngest at their lavish Montecito residence.

People magazine reports that the Sussexes began the festivities early, enjoying a small pre-birthday party the weekend before Lilibet's actual birthday, surrounded by family, close friends, and some of Lilibet's young companions, reports OK!.

Since relocating to the US in 2020 with Archie, then just one year old, Prince Harry and Meghan have settled into life in California.

Lilibet was born stateside, and her arrival was joyously announced by her parents, who expressed feeling "blessed" to welcome her. The couple shared a heartfelt message on their Archewell website, stating: "On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili."

"She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family."

Jennie Bond, a former BBC Royal correspondent, shed light on various ways Lilibet might have enjoyed her birthday celebrations.

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"Three-year-old birthday parties are all about bouncy castles and little girls in princess dresses," she told OK! "Of course Lilibet is already a princess, but I'm sure her mum will still want to dress her up for her big day. After all, that's half the fun of having a little girl.

"If Lilibet is anything like my three year old granddaughter, now is the time that she will be pining for a pet to cuddle...and a makeup bag full of child friendly (and washable) lipsticks and nail varnish. So I hope Harry is ready for guinea pig cage cleaning duties!"

As for what the day itself, Jennie added: "I expect her birthday will be full of sunshine, squabbles with her brother, fun games with her toddler friends and some delicious home cooking from her mum.

"It will no doubt be in all American affair at their Montecito mansion and I would expect to see a sprinkling of celebrities and a laid-back party, which hopefully will include some other toddlers."

"It would be nice to think the day might include a video call to Lilibet's grandfather, King Charles and hopefully some sort of gift has been arranged and will be delivered to Montecito for her birthday."

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