Queen Elizabeth II was affectionately known by an unusual one-word nickname, “Jemima,” a term of endearment bestowed upon her by her cousin and trusted confidante, Lady Elizabeth Anson. Born at Windsor Castle in 1941, Lady Elizabeth, affectionately called Liza, was not only King George VI’s goddaughter but also a significant presence within the Queen’s inner circle.
Renowned royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith reveals that Lady Elizabeth played a vital role behind the scenes, especially after the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother in 2002. The cousins maintained a close connection, frequently speaking on the phone at least once a week and sharing private dinners, reinforcing their deep familial bond.
Their mutual affection extended to nicknames: while the Queen referred to Liza as her “number one lady,” Liza called the Queen “Jemima.” Although Lady Elizabeth never explicitly explained the origin of this nickname, reports suggest it carries a beautiful meaning. Derived from Hebrew, “Jemima” translates to “dove,” a powerful symbol of peace, purity, and hope across many cultures.
Beyond being a beloved family member, Lady Elizabeth was a talented party planner who organized memorable events for the Queen, other royals, and celebrities alike. Sadly, Lady Elizabeth passed away in November 2020 at the age of 79, just under two years before the Queen’s own passing at 96.
According to Sally Bedell Smith’s Substack royal blog, Lady Elizabeth documented some of her private conversations with the Queen during her final years. One revealing discussion touched on the Queen’s feelings about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. The Queen reportedly expressed concern, with Liza recalling, “My Jemima is very worried.”
Further insights revealed that the Queen was unsettled by the couple’s departure, stating she was “not at all content.” Lady Elizabeth also commented on the Queen’s views about Meghan’s wedding dress, describing the Queen’s opinion of it as “flamboyant” and possibly inappropriate for someone who was a divorcee.
Following their move to America with their children Archie and Lilibet, Prince Harry and Meghan returned to the UK for the Queen’s funeral in September 2022. Since then, Meghan has not returned, with Harry citing security concerns after losing a legal case in May regarding the downgrading of his personal security. Reflecting on the verdict, he remarked that there was no viable path to winning the case and decided not to pursue further legal action. He added that the circumstances meant he “can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”