Meghan Markle has marked the holiday season by sharing a new family photograph featuring Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The image, released publicly on December 19, offers a rare but carefully considered glimpse into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s family life, reflecting the couple’s long-standing approach to privacy while acknowledging moments of celebration.
The photograph shows the family together in a warm, relaxed setting. Meghan is seen wearing a flowing white dress while holding hands with Princess Lilibet. As has been customary in images shared by the couple in recent years, their daughter’s face is not shown. Prince Archie appears embracing his father, while Prince Harry gently holds his son’s face. Harry is dressed casually, contributing to the understated and natural tone of the image.
The caption accompanying the photograph was brief and seasonal, extending holiday wishes from the family to the public. The post quickly attracted attention from royal observers and supporters, many of whom noted the affectionate and low-key atmosphere conveyed by the image.
A Carefully Managed Approach to Public Family Images
Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have maintained a clear boundary between public life and private family moments. While they occasionally share photographs or videos that include their children, these images are typically released on their own terms and often avoid showing their children’s faces in full.
This approach aligns with statements the couple have made in past interviews about prioritizing their children’s privacy while still acknowledging public interest. The newly released image continues that pattern, offering a sense of closeness without revealing personal details beyond what has already been publicly documented.
Prince Archie, born in 2019, and Princess Lilibet, born in 2021, have largely been kept out of the public eye since the family relocated to California. When images are shared, they are generally connected to milestones, official messages, or seasonal greetings.
A Second Holiday Release on the Same Day
The family photograph was not the only festive content released by the Sussexes on December 19. Earlier the same day, Prince Harry and Meghan shared their official holiday greeting for 2025 through their charitable organization.
Instead of a traditional single-image Christmas card, the couple opted for a short video montage. The video was published through platforms associated with their charitable work and reflected highlights from the past year, combining moments of public service with limited family appearances.
While it has not been formally confirmed whether the newly shared photograph serves as an additional Christmas card or a separate seasonal message, both releases contribute to the couple’s annual tradition of acknowledging the holidays publicly.
Continuing a Holiday Tradition
Since their marriage in 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan have released an official holiday greeting each year. These messages have evolved over time, reflecting changes in their roles and priorities.
In recent years, holiday communications have increasingly highlighted the couple’s charitable initiatives and community involvement rather than formal portraits. This shift mirrors their broader transition from working members of the Royal Family to independent public figures focused on philanthropy and advocacy.
The 2025 holiday video continues that approach, emphasizing values such as service, compassion, and family participation.
Highlighting Philanthropic Work Through Archewell
The holiday video included footage related to the couple’s charitable activities through Archewell, the organization they founded after relocating to the United States. One segment showed Prince Harry and Meghan participating in a community food initiative alongside their children.
The visit was connected to a partnership with Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, a community organization focused on preparing meals for those in need. The footage showed the family taking part in age-appropriate activities such as helping with food preparation and assisting with supplies.
These appearances align with Archewell’s stated mission to promote community support, compassion, and practical assistance through partnerships with established organizations.
Message Accompanying the Holiday Video
The message accompanying the video extended holiday wishes on behalf of Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archewell. It emphasized gratitude, reflection, and hopes for the coming year, consistent with previous statements issued by the organization during seasonal periods.
The wording focused on collective wellbeing rather than personal milestones, reinforcing the couple’s emphasis on shared values and community engagement.
Archewell’s Updated Identity
The holiday releases coincided with another notable development: the announcement that the Archewell Foundation has been renamed Archewell Philanthropies. The update marks five years since the organization’s creation.
According to official information shared with major media outlets, the name change reflects an evolution in structure rather than a departure from existing goals. Archewell Philanthropies continues to support initiatives related to digital wellbeing, responsible technology, community resilience, and humanitarian assistance.
The organization was established after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties and has since worked with a range of nonprofit partners in the United States and internationally.
Focus Areas and Ongoing Work
Over the past year, Archewell’s publicly documented work has included efforts to promote safer online environments, encourage responsible use of emerging technologies, and provide support to children and families affected by humanitarian crises.
These initiatives have been outlined in annual reports and official statements, providing transparency around funding, partnerships, and objectives. The rebranding to Archewell Philanthropies is intended to support the organization’s continued growth while maintaining accountability and clarity.
A Holiday Season Centered on Family and Service
Taken together, the release of the family photograph, the holiday video, and the organizational update present a consistent narrative. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to be marking the holiday season with an emphasis on togetherness, reflection, and service.
Rather than making personal revelations or public declarations, the materials focus on shared experiences and community involvement. This approach reflects the couple’s communication style in recent years, which has favored measured messaging over frequent public appearances.
Public Response and Media Attention
The holiday photograph and video drew widespread attention across social media and news platforms. Coverage largely focused on the warmth of the family image and the continued involvement of Archie and Lilibet in age-appropriate community activities.
As with previous releases, reactions varied, but the overall tone of reporting centered on the couple’s consistent messaging around privacy, philanthropy, and family life.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s newly shared family photograph, alongside the Sussexes’ official holiday video and charitable update, offers a carefully curated view of their holiday season. Grounded in officially released material and established reporting, the moment reflects a balance between public engagement and personal boundaries.
As Prince Harry and Meghan continue their work through Archewell Philanthropies, their holiday messages remain focused on gratitude, service, and family values. The season’s releases reinforce their ongoing commitment to combining public advocacy with a private approach to family life—an approach that has defined their public presence in recent years.