Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have once again continued their annual tradition of releasing a holiday card—this time offering a rare and heartwarming look at their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The 2024 Christmas greeting includes a series of family photographs that highlight their life in California and their global philanthropic work.
This tradition, which began shortly after their departure from official royal duties in 2020, remains a consistent gesture of holiday goodwill. It also gives the public a respectful glimpse into the family life of the Sussexes, who have been clear about maintaining a balance between public service and private family time.
A Modern Royal Family Tradition
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The couple, who first met on a blind date in 2016, began their public life together under immense global attention. Meghan Markle became the first American to marry a senior member of the British royal family in modern history. Their union was widely seen as a step toward modernization for the institution.
However, by 2020, the couple announced that they would step back from their roles as senior working royals. This change was formalized in coordination with Queen Elizabeth II and became effective in March 2020. As stated in their joint statement with Buckingham Palace, they would no longer use the title “His/Her Royal Highness” and would instead pursue a more independent life while maintaining their charitable endeavors (source: Royal.uk).
Life in the United States and Archewell Foundation
Following their move to the United States, Harry and Meghan settled in Montecito, California, and founded the Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on compassion in action. According to the foundation’s official website, Archewell supports initiatives in global health, mental wellness, and social impact media.
The couple also launched Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions, producing podcasts and digital content aligned with their philanthropic mission. Their ventures are designed to uplift underrepresented voices and promote community and well-being.
A Glimpse into Family Life Through Holiday Cards
Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have maintained a relatively private approach to raising their children, they have honored a holiday tradition each year: releasing a Christmas card to the public.
Let’s explore the evolution of their holiday greetings:
2020 Holiday Card
Their first post-royal holiday card was illustrated from a photograph taken at their home in Montecito. It featured Prince Harry, Meghan, their son Archie, and their two rescue dogs, Guy and Pula. The card was released through a charity, Mayhew, one of Meghan’s UK patronages.
2021 Holiday Card
This card marked the debut of their daughter, Lilibet Diana, born in June 2021. The image, taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski, showed the family at their California home. The message celebrated Lilibet’s arrival and described how Archie made them a “Mama” and “Papa,” and how Lilibet “made us a family.”
2022 Holiday Card
In 2022, the Sussexes chose a black-and-white portrait of themselves attending the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Awards. The card included greetings from the Archewell team and extended wishes of health and peace.
2023 Holiday Card
The 2023 card did not include Archie or Lilibet. Instead, it featured a cheerful image of Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, which Prince Harry founded in 2014 to support wounded and injured service members. This continued to reflect the couple’s ongoing commitment to international charitable causes.
2024 Holiday Card: A Family Focus
In December 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan released a festive new holiday card, delighting fans with previously unseen photos of their children. The card featured a montage of six photos, highlighting both family moments and scenes from their international travels.
Notable features included:
- Photos of Archie (aged 5) and Lilibet (aged 3) running towards their parents.
- A touching moment with Meghan smiling at Archie while Prince Harry greeted Lilibet.
- A cohesive design set against a dark green background with white stars.
- Snaps from their philanthropic trips to Nigeria in May and Colombia in August 2024.
This 2024 release marked one of the most personal Christmas cards the family has shared, offering a glimpse into their family dynamic while maintaining a tone of global service and outreach.
Prioritizing Privacy for Archie and Lilibet
Despite being public figures, Harry and Meghan have made it a point to protect the privacy and safety of their children. Their approach aligns with concerns about media intrusion and the couple’s long-standing desire to shield their children from unnecessary public exposure.
Prince Harry has spoken in previous interviews about his deep commitment to privacy, especially in light of the challenges his late mother, Princess Diana, faced. In the Apple TV+ series The Me You Can’t See, Harry opened up about his mental health journey and the stress of raising children under constant public scrutiny.
The couple’s cautious media strategy is evident in the infrequent release of photographs and the absence of their children from most public events. By selectively choosing when and how their children are seen, they aim to foster a secure environment for them to grow up in.
Global Philanthropy and Advocacy
The 2024 holiday card also highlighted Harry and Meghan’s international charitable efforts. In Nigeria, they visited programs focused on maternal health and youth development. In Colombia, they partnered with local NGOs working on education and disaster relief. These initiatives align with Archewell’s mission to “build a better world, one act of compassion at a time.”
Their involvement has been documented by organizations such as:
- UNICEF
- World Central Kitchen (partnered with Archewell for disaster response kitchens)
- Invictus Games Foundation
These efforts reinforce the couple’s message of positive global engagement, using their platform to support vulnerable communities and encourage systemic change.
A Balanced Approach to Public Life
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s evolving public presence illustrates a careful balance between serving the public interest and protecting family boundaries. While their decision to step back from royal duties was met with mixed reactions, their ongoing charitable efforts and family-focused messages continue to resonate with many supporters.
Their annual holiday cards have become a quiet but meaningful way to connect with the public—offering gratitude, sharing joy, and promoting causes they care deeply about.
Final Thoughts
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2024 holiday card was not just a collection of cheerful photos—it was a message of family, purpose, and optimism. By combining personal family moments with visual reminders of their global mission, Harry and Meghan continue to craft a public image rooted in service and compassion.
As they raise Archie and Lilibet in California while supporting international charitable initiatives, their holiday greetings offer a rare and respectful glimpse into their lives, reminding the world of the values they continue to champion: dignity, empathy, and hope for a better future.