Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have given fans a rare and delightful glimpse into their family life with the release of their 2024 holiday card. The card, which features a heartwarming photo of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has quickly become a fan favorite, spreading holiday cheer and admiration across social media.
The holiday card’s centerpiece is a charming six-photo collage, capturing a candid moment of the Sussex family. In one of the images, five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet are seen running joyfully toward their parents. Prince Harry is pictured crouching down to greet Lilibet, whose vibrant red hair mirrors her brother’s, while Meghan smiles warmly at Archie. The family’s three dogs, Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia, add an extra layer of warmth to the scene, making it a truly festive snapshot.
Accompanying the photos is a heartfelt message: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year.” The card also includes images from Harry and Meghan’s travels to Nigeria and Colombia earlier in the year, showcasing their global adventures and philanthropic efforts.
This year’s holiday card is particularly special, as the Sussexes rarely share images of their children. The intimate glimpse of Archie and Lilibet, who have grown noticeably since their last public appearance, has sparked an outpouring of love and admiration from fans. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with many commenting on the children’s striking resemblance to their father and their beautiful red hair.
“Aww, they both have Harry’s hair 😍,” one Instagram user wrote, while another added, “What a beautiful family! Lilibet is definitely daddy’s girl 🥹.” Others couldn’t help but gush over the siblings’ shared features, with one fan exclaiming, “Such a gorgeous family of redheads ❤️.”
The holiday card also reignited discussions about the couple’s decision to shield their children from the public eye. While fans expressed their desire to see more of Archie and Lilibet, many respected the Sussexes’ choice to prioritize their privacy. “The family photo is absolutely adorable! I completely understand why they want to keep their kids out of the spotlight,” one fan commented. Another simply added, “Ginger love ❤️❤️❤️.”
On X (formerly Twitter), the sentiment was equally enthusiastic, with one user declaring, “The most beautiful redheads have arrived!”
Prince Harry has previously shared sweet anecdotes about his children, offering fans a glimpse into their personalities. During his appearance at the WellChild Awards, where he has been a longtime patron, Harry revealed that Archie and Lilibet inherited their mother’s thick hair. In an interview with Hello! Magazine, he humorously noted that it wouldn’t be long before Lilibet could sit on her own hair.
Harry also spoke fondly of his family life, praising Meghan for her unwavering support and joking about their three dogs, who he said were “not quite house-trained.” He even mentioned their chickens, highlighting the lively and loving atmosphere in their home.
The Sussexes’ children have been at the center of several updates this year, as the couple continues to balance their public roles with their commitment to privacy. Earlier in 2024, Archie and Lilibet made headlines when their last names were officially changed to reflect their royal titles. Previously known as “Mountbatten-Windsor,” the children are now formally recognized as “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex.”
This change followed King Charles III’s decision to grant his grandchildren their royal titles after he ascended the throne in 2022. While the titles were awarded at that time, they were not used publicly until Princess Lilibet’s christening in March 2023. The update on the royal family’s official website marked a significant moment, solidifying the children’s place within the royal lineage.
The use of “Sussex” as their surname aligns with royal traditions, where titles and territorial designations often serve as last names. This practice reflects the family’s heritage and ensures continuity within the monarchy. Historically, royal surnames are tied to paternal ancestry, with sovereigns typically adopting their father’s name for their “House,” as seen with the House of Windsor.
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this decision underscores their connection to their royal roots while allowing them to carve out a unique identity for their family. As they navigate their roles as parents and public figures, the Sussexes continue to captivate the world with their blend of tradition and modernity.
