Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just released their highly-anticipated holiday card, and they even included a sweet family photo with their kids. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known for keeping their children’s lives as private and as normal as possible, so we were shocked to see them sneak a photo of 5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet in there.
Even more shocking was just how much the duo has grown!
The holiday card features five closeup shots of Markle and Prince Harry on their recent trip to Colombia as well as a picture that takes a bit of zooming in to comprehend. In the wholesome photo — which looks like it was taken at the family’s stunning home in Montecito — the proud parents crouch down on a driveway of sorts surrounded by three of their dogs. They have their arms stretched out wide, and their kids run toward them, going in for a hug.
Prince Archie heads for his mom, and it couldn’t be clearer that he inherited his dad’s red hair. And possibly his height, too! Prince Harry is 6’1″, and Prince Archie looks like he’s getting so. tall. Even from such a distance, we can tell the young royal is really growing up.
As for little Lili — well, she’s not so little either. She’s running toward her dad with her strawberry blonde locks falling past her shoulders. The wave in her hair looks just like her mom’s, and she too looks like she just hit a growth spurt. From this angle, she should fit into her dad’s arms perfectly when she gets there.
Notably, she’s the only one wearing anything remotely regal. The family is dressed down in jeans and sweaters, but Lili is wearing a sundress with socks that reach her knees. The socks are a common move for royal kids — young princes included!
“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry & 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,” the sweet card reads.
Last month, ahead of Thanksgiving, Markle shared the “fun” holiday traditions she enjoys with her family of four. At a holiday dinner for Afghan women starting new lives in the U.S. as part of the Archewell Foundation’s Welcome Project, the Duchess of Sussex told Marie Claire that “every year [the holiday season] gets better.”
“At first, I think as a mom with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet,” Markle continued. “But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”
“We’re always making sure we have something fun to do,” she continued. “Like any other family you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar — fun.”
Who knows — maybe they’ll also head outside with the pups, go for a walk, and recreate the sweet moment from the photo on their holiday card. Fun. And sweet. And better every year.
Before you go, check out Prince Harry’s very best dad moments — so far!
