The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a holiday card featuring a new picture of their five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter.
On December 16, 2024, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a family photo, which sparked observations and reactions among fans. Many online users focused on the surprising appearance of their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
A fan comments on the appearance of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on their family’s holiday card, from a post dated December 16, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomagus
The family picture was part of one of the six photos on the holiday card. It shows Archie and Lilibet from behind as they eagerly run toward their parents. The siblings appear more grown-up than ever in the shot, which also features the family’s three dogs, Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia.
The card captures Meghan smiling warmly at Archie while Harry crouches to welcome Lilibet, who has long red hair, a similar color to her brother’s.
The card’s message, written on a deep green background, read, “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.”
What drew fans’ attention in the holiday card, was Lilibet appearing slightly taller or nearly the same height as her older brother, sparking curiosity and discussions online. One puzzled user wrote, “How can a 5 year old and a 3 year old be the same height 🤔🤔 something seems odd [sic].”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with a Harlequins kit for son Archie during a Terrence Higgins Trust event at Twickenham Stoop in London, England, on November 8, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Another echoed the sentiment, “How is Lilibet bigger than her older brother [sic]. Way outta proportion.” “The children’s sizes don’t look right,” someone else shared their confusion. Others pointed out the unusual proportions, “They have an age gap but they look like twins in this picture.”
Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
A fan added, “The little girl looks bigger than the boy,” while another concurred, “Except the photo of the children doesn’t look right, to their ages. The girl was born after Archie, not before, but she looks much taller than Archie, in the snap, unless, of course, Archie has long hair!”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor attend the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match at Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham, England, on July 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Some found the entire picture perplexing, with one pointing out, “That photo just doesn’t look right the little girl is bigger than her older sibling and Harry doesn’t look real.” Others took a moment to reflect on how much they’ve changed, “Wow they are so grown up! That went so fast.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on July 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
For some, the image brought pure joy. One fan sweetly observed, “Lilibet is almost as tall as Archie. ❤️❤️❤️❤️” An individual gushed “Beautiful family wishing them the best 🥰” and another delighted user wrote, “Awww so cute! Lovely family.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex seen at the Unidad Recreativa El Vallad in Cali, Colombia, on August 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The collection of photos on the holiday card included five additional look at Prince Harry and Meghan captured during their travels to Nigeria and Colombia earlier this year. However, people were excited to get a glimpse of the couple’s kids, who are being raised away from the spotlight.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on August 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia | Source: Getty Images
Harry and Meghan, who value their privacy, have spoken about their kids a few times. In 2023, Harry expressed how much he sees his mother, Princess Diana, in his children, adding with a touch of humor, “The ginger gene is a strong one.”
Early in his relationship with Meghan, he assumed his ginger genes wouldn’t stand a chance against hers if they had children, but he was proven wrong. Harry, a proud dad, also shared his excitement in 2022, when Lilibet reached a new milestone. “Her current priorities are trying to keep up with her brother; she took her first step just a few days ago!” he revealed.
In August this year, Meghan Markle also spoke candidly about her commitment to shielding her children from the dangers of the online world. The couple’s Archewell Foundation has a new program supporting parents of children affected by online harm.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Vice President Francia Márquez, and her husband Yerney Pinillo visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan noted, “Our kids are young. They are three and five. They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we are just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks during the “Responsible Digital Future” forum as his wife Meghan Markle listens in Bogota on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Harry also shared his perspective, emphasizing the severity of online dangers in today’s world. He noted that every parent must act as a first responder, though, even they might miss warning signs of issues like suicidal thoughts brought on by online harm. “That is the terrifying piece of this,” he reflected.
Aside from online safety, Harry and Meghan are committed to raising Archie and Lilibet with a strong awareness of the world’s diversity and its people. Harry is eager to bring their children to the Invictus Games, an event they hold dear. He has already introduced Archie to the games by showing him videos of wheelchair basketball and rugby, which Archie thoroughly enjoyed.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex meets Dutch competitors as he visits Sportcampus Zuiderpark to mark the official launch of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“I showed him how some were missing legs and explained that some had invisible injuries, too. Not because he asked, but because I wanted to tell him. Kids understand so much, and to see it through his eyes was amazing because it’s so unfiltered and honest,” he narrated.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at The Land Rover Driving Challenge during the Invictus Games at Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands, on April 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Recently, Harry revealed another charming detail about Archie and Lilibet. He was speaking at the WellChild Awards, where he has served as patron for years. According to Hello! Magazine’s October 2024 issue, the father of two proudly shared what the youngsters have inherited from their mother.
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, chief content officer for Hello! recalled that conversation with Harry, stating, “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair, he told us, self- effacingly, as he marveled 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.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on August 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia | Source: Getty Images
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 viewing 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.
Prince Harry on September 30, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their family life, balancing privacy and public interest, their children remain at the heart of major updates.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, the couple made headlines when they officially changed their children’s surnames following their newly bestowed royal titles.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie at Windsor Castle in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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.”
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The adoption of “Sussex” as the family surname aligns with royal traditions, where titles and territorial designations often serve as surnames, further embedding the children’s royal lineage and their parents’ legacy within their names. This approach to surnames follows a historical precedent within the royal family, where names and titles are deeply intertwined with identity and heritage.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
As outlined on the official royal website, royal surnames often reflect paternal lineage. However, the royal family has its unique traditions, with sovereigns typically adopting the name of their ‘House’ from their father.
This tradition ensures continuity and honors the familial legacy, as seen with the House of Windsor. Unless a monarch decided to change this tradition, members of the royal family, including Harry and Meghan’s children, would typically carry the “Mountbatten-Windsor” surname, a practice which Harry and Meghan have changed.
