The couple known for their royal ties and private lives has shared a rare, heartwarming glimpse of their growing children—just in time for the holidays.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are bringing holiday cheer with a touching photo of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled their 2024 holiday card on Monday, December 16, featuring a charming family moment with their three dogs, which quickly sparked online buzz.
A fan comment on Prince Harry and Meghan Markles daughter, dated December 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomagus
The centerpiece of the card—a six-photo montage—includes an image of Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, as they run toward their parents with excitement. In the photo, Meghan, 43, can be seen smiling warmly at Archie while Harry, 40, crouches down to greet Lilibet, whose red hair matches her brothers. The shot is framed by the presence of the familys beloved dogs: Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia.
The card also carries a festive 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 very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”
Additional photos featured in the card highlight moments from Harry and Meghans trips to Colombia and Nigeria earlier this year.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 12, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria | Source: Getty Images
The Sussexes, who rarely share photos of their children, have made this years holiday card particularly special for their supporters. The intimate family moment offers a rare look at Archie and Lilibet, now more grown up, spreading cheer as the family embraces the holiday season.
This has also sparked an outpouring of love and admiration from fans across social media, who were quick to share their thoughts and reactions.
A fan comment on Prince Harry and Meghan Markles family, dated December 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomagus
On Instagram, one wrote, “Aww they both got Harrys [sic] hair😍.” Another chimed in, “Awww so cute! Lovely family.” Reflecting on the touching family dynamic, a user noted, “Princess Lili is definitely daddys girl 🥹.”
Others couldnt help but admire the siblings resemblance to their dad, with a comment reading, “beautiful [sic] family of redheads ❤️.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on August 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia | Source: Getty Images
Another fan highlighted the standout feature of the heart-melting family portrait—”Princess Lilibet and Prince Archies hair 🥹.” Noticing Lilibets growth, a user observed, “Lilibet is almost as tall as Archie. ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Some fans praised the couples decision to maintain their childrens privacy while sharing this small glimpse. One user expressed, “Awww! I love the family photo! I would love to see the kids more, but I fully respect them wanting to keep the kids out of the spotlight. Those are for sure Harrys kids with that red hair!” Another succinctly added, “Ginger ❤️❤️❤️😍❤️😍❤️.”
Prince Harry on August 16, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia | Source: Getty Images
On X (formerly Twitter), the sentiment continued, with one user proclaiming, “The most beautiful redheads appeared [sic].”
While the holiday card offered a fresh glimpse of his children, Prince Harry has previously shared sweet insights about them. Speaking at the WellChild Awards, where he has served as patron for years, Harry revealed a charming detail about Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry on October 15, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
According to Hello! Magazines October 2024 issue, the father of two proudly shared what the youngsters have inherited from their mother.
Meghan Markle on February 13, 2018, in Edinburgh, Scotland | Source: Getty Images
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, chief content officer for Hello! recalled that conversation with Harry, stating, “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mothers thick hair, he told us, self- effacingly, as he marveled that it wont be long until Lili can sit on hers.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on October 15, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Vokes-Dudgeon also described how Harry seemed relaxed and optimistic about the next chapter of his life. He mentioned friends had assured him that the 40s were “the best decade” and spoke fondly of Meghans unwavering support at home.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on August 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia | Source: Getty Images
Harry shared that Meghan had her hands full with not only the couples two children but also their three dogs, whom he jokingly described as “not quite house-trained.” Adding to their bustling family life, Harry playfully referenced their chickens, hinting at a lively household dynamic.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle viewing a gift for their son Archie on October 15, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Despite his lighthearted remarks, Vokes-Dudgeon emphasized that Harry appeared deeply fulfilled and “in his element” when speaking about his kids and his charitable work. The time he spends engaging with the families, children, and professionals celebrated at the WellChild Awards brings him undeniable joy.
Prince Harry on September 30, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their family life, balancing privacy and public interest, their children remain at the heart of major updates.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, the couple made headlines when they officially changed their childrens surnames following their newly bestowed royal titles.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie at Windsor Castle in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Archie and Lilibet, previously known by the surnames “Mountbatten-Windsor,” embraced their royal titles as part of their official last names.
In a gesture well-received by Harry and Meghan, when he ascended the throne in 2022, King Charles III offered his grandchildren the prestigious prince and princess titles. They accepted the titles, but it was only later that they were used for the first time.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
This remarkable transition was publicly acknowledged in March 2023 during the christening of Princess Lilibet, where the titles were officially used for the first time. The childrens names were then updated on the royal familys official website to “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex.”
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The adoption of “Sussex” as the family surname aligns with royal traditions, where titles and territorial designations often serve as surnames, further embedding the childrens royal lineage and their parents legacy within their names. This approach to surnames follows a historical precedent within the royal family, where names and titles are deeply intertwined with identity and heritage.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
As outlined on the official royal website, royal surnames often reflect paternal lineage. However, the royal family has its unique traditions, with sovereigns typically adopting the name of their House from their father.
This tradition ensures continuity and honors the familial legacy, as seen with the House of Windsor. Unless a monarch decided to change this tradition, members of the royal family, including Harry and Meghans children, would typically carry the “Mountbatten-Windsor” surname, a practice which Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have changed.
