A family 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 Markle’s 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 long, red hair matches her brother’s. The shot is framed by the presence of the family’s 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 Meghan’s 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 year’s 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.
Markle and Harry’s recently unveiled 2024 holiday card has sparked an outpouring of love and admiration from fans across social media. The rare photo featuring their children has especially resonated with followers, who were quick to share their thoughts.
A fan comment on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s family, dated December 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomagus
On Instagram, users flooded the comments section with heartfelt reactions. One user wrote, “Aww they both got Harrys [sic] hair😍.” Another chimed in, “Awww so cute! Lovely family.” Reflecting on the touching family dynamic, one user noted, “Princess Lili is definitely daddy’s girl 🥹.”
Others couldn’t 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 Archie’s hair 🥹.” Noticing Lilibet’s growth, a user observed, “Lilibet is almost as tall as Archie. ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Some fans praised the couple’s decision to maintain their children’s 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 Harry’s 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 has fans talking, Prince Harry himself has previously shared sweet insights about his children. 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! Magazine’s October 2024 issue, the father of two proudly shared that the youngsters have inherited their mother’s “long, thick hair.”
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, chief content officer for Hello!, recalled her conversation with Harry. “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair,” he remarked, adding humorously that “it won’t 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 Meghan’s unwavering support at home.
Harry shared that Meghan had her hands full with not only the couple’s 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 view 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.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their family life, balancing privacy and public interest, their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remain at the heart of major updates.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, the Sussexes made headlines when they officially changed their children’s surnames following their newly bestowed royal titles.
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 children’s names were then updated on the royal family’s official website to “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex.”
