In the sun-drenched hills of Montecito, California, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have built a vibrant family life, their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are growing up surrounded by love, laughter, and a menagerie of animals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 to carve out a new path in the United States, have created a nurturing environment for their six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. Recently, Meghan shared a charming glimpse into their family dynamic during her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, revealing that Archie and Lilibet have been persistently asking for a new addition to their household: a pet cat. This heartfelt wish, expressed with the innocent insistence only young children can muster, has become a recurring plea of “Dad, Mom, we want a cat!”—a request that underscores the warmth and relatability of the Sussexes’ home life.

The revelation came in the second episode of Meghan’s lifestyle series, titled It’s Way Past Our Bread-time, where she was joined by friend and model Chrissy Teigen in the kitchen. As they whipped up recipes and chatted about their lives, the conversation naturally turned to their pets. Meghan, standing in her airy Montecito kitchen, pointed out her rescue beagle, Guy, lounging comfortably in a corner. She shared the story of adopting Guy in 2015 from a Canadian rescue organization, a decision that predated her royal life and marked the beginning of her commitment to giving animals a second chance. The Sussexes’ Montecito estate, a sprawling $14 million property, is already home to several animals, including a black Labrador named Pula, a rescue beagle named Mia, and a flock of chickens housed in a coop affectionately dubbed “Archie’s Chick Inn.” Yet, it’s the prospect of adding a feline friend that has captured Archie and Lilibet’s imaginations.

As Chrissy mentioned her own household’s four dogs and two hairless cats, Meghan’s eyes lit up. “You have four dogs and four kids? How are you doing that?” she asked with a laugh, clearly impressed by the juggling act. Chrissy’s mention of her cats prompted Meghan to share her children’s latest obsession. “They really, really want a cat,” Meghan admitted, her tone warm with maternal affection. She described how Archie and Lilibet have been vocal about their desire, repeatedly approaching her and Harry with their earnest request. The image of the young prince and princess, with their bright eyes and perhaps a touch of their father’s red hair, pleading for a pet cat is a relatable one, echoing the universal childhood dream of bringing a new animal into the family.

This isn’t the first time Meghan has opened up about her love for animals. Her connection to her pets, particularly Guy, has been a constant thread through significant moments in her life. “He was with me at Suits, when I got engaged, and then married, when I became a mom,” she shared in a poignant Instagram post earlier this year, mourning Guy’s passing. The tribute included rare glimpses of Archie and Lilibet interacting with the beagle, from Archie gently walking him on a leash to Lilibet singing softly during a family picnic. These moments highlight the integral role pets play in the Sussex household, serving as companions through the quiet joys and chaotic milestones of family life. The loss of Guy, whom Meghan described as offering “unconditional love,” left a void, but it seems Archie and Lilibet are eager to fill it with a new furry friend.

The Sussexes’ home in Montecito is a haven designed for family and creativity. Since moving there in 2020, Harry and Meghan have prioritized a grounded upbringing for their children, far from the formalities of palace life. Archie, born on May 6, 2019, in London, and Lilibet, born on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, are being raised with a blend of American and British influences. Meghan has noted their hybrid accents, with words like “zeb-rah” instead of “zeeb-rah,” reflecting their California lifestyle. Their days are filled with typical childhood activities—school runs, baking cookies, and tending to the chickens in their backyard coop. The addition of a cat would fit seamlessly into this idyllic setting, perhaps curling up by the fireplace or chasing after the children in the garden.

Meghan’s reflections on motherhood, shared across various platforms like her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder and interviews, paint a picture of a hands-on parent who cherishes the small moments. She has spoken about packing lunchboxes with handwritten notes for Archie and Lilibet, a ritual that brings her joy. During a conversation with Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, Meghan revealed that both children were recently home sick with RSV and influenza A, describing the sleepless nights spent soothing coughs and rubbing backs. Despite the challenges, she emphasized her love for being a mom, saying, “It’s the most important thing in my entire life—outside, of course, being a wife to this one,” gesturing to Harry. The prospect of a new pet aligns with this nurturing spirit, as Meghan and Harry aim to foster a sense of responsibility and compassion in their children through caring for animals.

The idea of a cat joining the Sussex household isn’t just a whim; it’s a reflection of Archie and Lilibet’s growing personalities. Meghan has described Archie as a “gentle, sweet child,” often seen helping in the kitchen or picking roses from the garden. Lilibet, with her vibrant red hair and love for pink, has already shown an independent streak, telling her mother that a batch of homemade preserves looked “beautiful” during a filming session for With Love, Meghan. The children’s enthusiasm for a cat suggests they’re ready to take on the responsibilities of pet ownership, from feeding to playing, under their parents’ guidance. Meghan’s own childhood memories, shared in the same episode, add a nostalgic layer to the story. She recalled coming home from school to a TV tray, surrounded by her cat’s collar and other everyday items, hinting that a cat might evoke similar comforting routines for her children.

The Sussexes’ commitment to animal welfare also shapes their approach to this potential new pet. Meghan’s advocacy for adopting rather than shopping for pets was evident in her tribute to Guy, where she urged followers to “adopt not shop.” This ethos likely influences their discussions about welcoming a cat, with the family possibly considering a rescue animal to join their brood. The practicalities of adding a cat to a household with two dogs and chickens might pose a challenge, but the Sussexes’ spacious estate and hands-on parenting style suggest they’re well-equipped to manage. Harry, who has been spotted cheering on Guy at the vet or strolling with the dogs on the beach, seems equally invested in the family’s animal-centric lifestyle.

The children’s wish for a cat also reflects their exposure to a diverse world of influences. During a 2024 trip to Nigeria, Meghan shared how Lilibet’s favorite class involves dancing and singing, while Archie enjoys examining flowers and exploring nature. These experiences, coupled with their parents’ emphasis on empathy and global awareness through initiatives like the Archewell Foundation, indicate that Archie and Lilibet are growing up with a deep appreciation for the world around them. A pet cat could become a small but meaningful part of their journey, teaching them about care and companionship in a tangible way.

As Meghan and Harry navigate their public and private lives, they remain protective of Archie and Lilibet’s privacy, sharing only curated glimpses of their children. Recent posts, like a Mother’s Day photo of the kids climbing “mama mountain” or a Father’s Day tribute featuring Harry with Archie and Lilibet, show a family grounded in love and playfulness. The cat request, though a small detail, adds to this narrative of a close-knit family where children’s voices are heard and cherished. Whether or not a feline friend joins the Montecito menagerie soon, the story of Archie and Lilibet’s persistent plea is a heartwarming reminder of the universal joys of childhood and the dreams that bind families together.

For now, the Sussexes continue to balance their high-profile projects with the everyday chaos of parenting. Meghan’s Netflix series, which premiered in March 2025, showcases her passion for cooking and hosting, often with nods to her children’s involvement—like Archie operating the filming clapboard or Lilibet picking berries for jam. Harry, meanwhile, remains a devoted father, capturing moments like teaching Archie about hummingbirds or taking Lilibet on boat rides. As they consider their children’s wish for a cat, one can imagine the family discussing names and planning cozy corners for a new pet, all while savoring the fleeting years of their children’s early childhood.

In a world where royal titles and global platforms could easily overshadow the ordinary, Meghan and Harry’s focus on their children’s simple desires—like a purring companion—grounds their story in relatability. Archie and Lilibet’s plea for a cat is more than a childish whim; it’s a testament to the love and care that define the Sussex household, where even the smallest wishes are heard with open hearts.