Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are embracing Independence Day with a tradition that’s as sweet as it is sentimental. On July 4, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, shared a rare and intimate selfie with Harry, 40, alongside a tray of patriotic cupcakes—honoring the very tradition that began on their second date in 2016.
A Love Story Baked into Cupcakes
In a heartfelt post shared on her “As Ever” Instagram account, Meghan offered fans a glimpse into the couple’s annual Fourth of July celebration. The post featured a candid selfie of the pair, with Meghan nestled next to a smiling Prince Harry, followed by two images of red, white, and blue cupcakes that have become a core part of their Independence Day ritual.
“Our second date was the 4th of July 2016 and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate,” Meghan wrote in the caption. “Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition. Happy Independence Day! May your day be as sweet as these cupcakes.”
A Family Affair in Montecito
The first photo shows a tray of cupcakes that Meghan and Harry decorated with their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. The last image in the series was a sentimental throwback—a cupcake from Harry’s original Independence Day gift in 2016.
This same black-and-white selfie had appeared in the couple’s 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, giving longtime fans a nostalgic moment tied to their early romance.
From Soho House to Montecito: A Full-Circle Tradition
The Fourth of July holds a special place in the couple’s relationship timeline. Their second date took place on July 4, 2016, at London’s Soho House, the same location as their first meeting just a day earlier. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Prince Harry shared details about the evening, recalling Meghan’s radiant entrance in a blue sundress and the pink box of red-white-and-blue cupcakes he brought along.
Harry described the date as transformative, writing, “A phase of my life — the first half? — was coming to a close.” That date not only marked a pivotal moment in their love story but now serves as an annual celebration of their growing family.
Fourth of July Festivities with a California Twist
Earlier in the day, Meghan gave followers a deeper look into their Montecito, California celebration by posting a video of herself assembling a patriotic charcuterie board featuring star-shaped cheeses, summer berries, and a red, white, and blue theme.
Though Prince Harry remains a U.K. citizen, he has hinted at the possibility of seeking U.S. citizenship in the future. In a February 2024 interview with Good Morning America, he said, “American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind but certainly not something that is a high priority for me right now.”
Still, when asked about life in the United States, Harry said, “It’s amazing. I love every single day.” However, when asked if he felt American, he added with a smile, “Do I feel American? Um, no. I don’t know how I feel.”
A Modern Royal Family Making Their Own Traditions
Since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry have carved out a quieter, more personal life in the U.S., filled with new traditions and cherished family moments. Their Fourth of July cupcake tradition is just one example of how they are blending their love story with American culture—and building a legacy of their own.
