Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have spread festive cheer with their new 2024 Christmas card, revealing beaming smiles alongside Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s card features an endearing snap of their children running towards them, a visual affirmation of Harry’s recent mention of Lili’s flowing red locks, matching her big brother’s.
“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation,” read the heartfelt note in the card. Complementing the family photo are five additional images captured during the couple’s humanitarian visits to Nigeria and Colombia this year.
“We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year,” concludes the greeting. For admirers of the Royal pair, the card offers a precious look at the youngsters, who last appeared in Harry and Meghan’s documentary series, released on Netflix the previous December.
Despite stepping back from their roles as senior royals nearly five years ago, the Sussexes have maintained the tradition of releasing their own Christmas card, much like other members of the Royal Family. Their last year’s festive greeting showcased a charming photograph from the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, with Prince Harry dapper in a black shirt and jacket, while Meghan dazzled in a chic dark green strapless dress.
The release of their Christmas card is always met with great anticipation, although they haven’t consistently featured their children in the designs. Earlier this year, a confidant of the Sussexes disclosed to People magazine that Harry is cautious about publicising his children, not out of secrecy but to safeguard their privacy and well-being against potential dangers, reports the Mirror.
“Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.”
The source continued, explaining Harry’s protective instincts: “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.”
They also mentioned, “Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself,” alluding to the tragic fate of Princess Diana. In 2022, the couple chose a more understated approach for their Christmas card, featuring just the two of them, with Meghan stunning in a white off-the-shoulder dress and a sleek ponytail, while a monochrome image captured Harry in a timeless suit and tie, tenderly holding her hand.
In a message set against a vibrant red backdrop, it was shared: “From our family to yours, and on behalf of our team at The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Audio, and Archewell Productions, we wish you health, peace, and a very happy new year! ” The 2021 greeting card featured baby Lilibet’s debut with the family rocking a relaxed vibe. Meghan, Harry, and Archie were decked out in denim, with Meghan lifting Lilibet for the camera as they lounged on their house porch, all beaming at the youngest member of their clan.
The previous year, Meghan and Harry had eschewed the traditional icy festive card themes and instead showcased a sunny snap from their Montecito residence. They posed with young Archie and their pooches, Guy and Pula, grinning broadly in a garden shed adorned with holiday cheer.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.