Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s family photo, featuring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has recently surprisingly caught the attention of fans. Nearly two months after Architectural Digest offered a glimpse into Gloria Steinem’s New York City home, eagle-eyed followers noticed that a previously unseen family portrait was prominently displayed on a side table. The black-and-white photo, which shows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex along with their children smiling while lying in the grass, was part of a private holiday card sent to their closest friends and family in 2023.
This special moment also holds a personal connection to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, a close friend of Meghan Markle. Steinem has previously spoken highly of the Duchess, calling her “smart, funny, and devoted to social issues.” Their friendship reflects the shared values of activism and compassion, something that Meghan has consistently demonstrated throughout her public life.
In addition to the private family card, Meghan and Harry also shared a public holiday card for 2024, which was released in December. The card featured six images, five of which highlighted the couple’s public engagements in Nigeria and Colombia. The sixth, however, was a sweet new family photo showing their children—5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet—running excitedly toward their parents. Their red hair, resembling that of their father, Prince Harry, made the moment even more endearing. The couple also included their beloved dogs: Guy (who sadly passed away recently), Pula, and Mia, making it a truly heartwarming family moment.
In 2021, Meghan and Harry had shared the first-ever photo of Lilibet on their holiday card, marking a milestone for the couple. “This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa,’ and Lili made us a family,” they wrote in their card.
Protecting Their Children’s Privacy
While Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have made public appearances, Meghan and Harry have been very intentional about keeping their children out of the public eye for the sake of their privacy. In interviews and reports, they have consistently emphasized their desire to protect their children from unnecessary attention.
A close friend of the couple shared with PEOPLE that Prince Harry has been particularly cautious about exposing their children to public scrutiny. “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. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm,” the friend explained. This sentiment was also linked to the couple’s desire to avoid the painful history that haunted Harry’s own mother, Princess Diana, whose tragic passing was linked to media attention and paparazzi.
Meghan’s Return to Instagram
In addition to the family photo, Meghan Markle has been sharing more personal content on Instagram, including previously unseen images and tributes. Following the recent passing of their dog, Guy, Meghan posted heartfelt memories, including clips and photos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In her latest post, Meghan shared an inspiring story of how she received Billie Eilish merchandise, including a signed copy of the singer’s latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. Meghan planned to gift the items to a 15-year-old girl whose home was damaged during the devastating L.A. wildfires in January. Meghan wore a custom sweatshirt with her children’s names, “Archie” and “Lili,” printed along the collar while sharing this touching story.
Meghan Markle’s return to social media has allowed her to reconnect with her fans in a meaningful and personal way. The family photo, along with her stories of giving back and protecting her children’s privacy, offer a glimpse into the Duchess’s life beyond royal duties. As she continues to share moments of her family and activism, it’s clear that Meghan and Harry are focused on creating a safe, loving environment for their children while staying true to their values of compassion and privacy.
