Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a heartfelt holiday photo on Instagram featuring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, showcasing the family’s closeness and ongoing charitable efforts during the festive season. On December 19, 2025, Meghan Markle posted a new family photo on her Instagram account, captioned “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours.” The image captures the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their six-year-old son Prince Archie and four-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet on a wooden bridge in a wooded area, likely at their Montecito home. In the intimate snapshot, Archie is seen wrapping his arms around his father’s waist for a hug, while Harry touches his son’s nose affectionately. Meghan, dressed in a cream dress, bends down to hold hands with Lilibet, who wears a blue dress, their foreheads pressed together. The casual setting, with Harry in a white shirt and jeans, emphasizes a relaxed, family-oriented moment away from royal formalities.
Beyond the photo, the Sussexes have been active in holiday-themed charitable work. In November, the family volunteered with the Archewell Foundation, recently rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies, at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, helping prepare meals for those in need. Photos from the event show Archie and Lilibet participating in baking activities, reflecting the couple’s commitment to involving their children in philanthropy. This volunteer effort aligns with their broader philanthropic goals, as announced on the Archewell website, where they emphasized expanding global endeavors as a family. The foundation, established in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties, continues to be a central part of their public life.
Meghan Markle also released a Netflix holiday special, “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” which aired on December 3. The show features her decorating and cooking with friends, including moments with Prince Harry, and highlights family traditions. A sweet note from Archie and Lilibet to Santa was showcased, adding a personal touch to the holiday narrative. In the special, Meghan expressed her love for the season, focusing on connection and new traditions, while cameos from celebrities like Naomi Osaka added variety. The release coincided with other holiday activities, though Meghan did not publicly address her father’s health issues at the time.
The Sussexes’ holiday card comes amid other royal family releases. A day prior, Prince William and Catherine shared their Christmas card portrait with their three children, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla also unveiled their card. This timing places the Sussexes’ update within the broader royal holiday communications, though with a more personal and less formal approach. The contrast highlights the different paths the couples have taken since Harry and Meghan’s departure from senior royal duties in 2020, with the Sussexes opting for a more independent, media-savvy strategy.
The photo has garnered significant attention, with media outlets highlighting the grown-up appearances of Archie and Lilibet. It reinforces the couple’s strategy of selectively sharing family moments while maintaining privacy. Public reaction has been largely positive, focusing on the children’s development and the family’s bond. The rebranding of their foundation to Archewell Philanthropies signals a renewed focus on global charitable work as a family unit, potentially shaping their future public engagements.
As the holiday season continues, the Sussexes are likely to keep a low public profile, focusing on family time and philanthropic projects. The positive reception to the photo may encourage more occasional updates, but they remain committed to shielding their children from excessive media scrutiny. Moving forward, their work through Archewell Philanthropies and selective media appearances will continue to define their post-royal life, balancing public interest with personal boundaries.
