Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, released their 2025 Christmas greeting in late December through a combination of video and imagery, continuing a tradition they have maintained since their marriage in 2018. The holiday message, shared through official channels connected to their charitable foundation Archewell, focused on family, community engagement, and year-end reflection.
The couple’s Christmas communications are typically designed to highlight both personal milestones and charitable initiatives, and this year’s release followed that established pattern while introducing a slightly different presentation format.
A Two-Part Holiday Release
Rather than sharing a single image, the Duke and Duchess opted for a two-part holiday greeting. The first element was a festive video published on the Archewell website. The video featured a curated montage of moments from the past year, including scenes from charitable visits, humanitarian initiatives, and community-based activities supported by Archewell.
According to information provided on the Archewell platform, the video emphasized the foundation’s mission of service and connection. It also included limited footage of the couple’s children, Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, aged four, participating in a community activity alongside their parents.
Family Participation in Community Service
The video showed Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet helping to prepare meals as part of Archewell’s partnership with Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization known for its community meal programs. Our Big Kitchen LA has publicly documented its mission of bringing people together through shared cooking and food distribution, particularly during holidays and periods of increased need.
The inclusion of the children was consistent with the Sussexes’ previously stated approach of involving their family in service activities while maintaining privacy around their everyday lives. The footage did not identify the children’s faces in close detail, aligning with the couple’s long-standing practice of limiting public exposure.
Official Holiday Message
Alongside the video, a written holiday message was released on behalf of the Duke and Duchess and their foundation. The message conveyed seasonal greetings and well-wishes for the year ahead, extending thanks and goodwill to supporters, partners, and communities connected to Archewell’s work.
Such year-end messages are a recurring feature of Archewell’s communications and are commonly used to reflect on charitable impact rather than personal commentary.
A Second Christmas Card Image Shared Online
In addition to the video, Meghan Markle shared a separate Christmas card image through her Instagram account. The photograph, which had not previously appeared in official releases, showed the family of four standing together outdoors on a bridge surrounded by greenery.
The image presented a relaxed and natural setting. Prince Harry is pictured standing with Archie, while Meghan stands nearby with Lilibet. The composition emphasized closeness and family connection, offering a rare but carefully framed glimpse of the Sussexes together.
Meghan accompanied the image with a short caption wishing followers a happy holiday season from her family.
Public Interest in the Image
As with many images released by high-profile public figures, the photograph attracted widespread attention online. Most responses focused on the family setting, the informal tone of the image, and the limited but intentional inclusion of Archie and Lilibet.
A small number of online users examined technical aspects of the photograph, noting visual elements related to lighting, background foliage, or depth of field. No official statements were issued regarding the image’s production, and there has been no confirmation of any post-processing beyond standard photographic practices.
Reputable media coverage of the Christmas card has largely focused on its context and message rather than technical interpretation.
Photography and Public Figures
Photography experts frequently note that outdoor images can display visual variations caused by natural light, camera focus, movement, or surrounding objects such as leaves and branches. These effects are common in candid or semi-candid photography and do not necessarily indicate image alteration.
Neither the Duke and Duchess of Sussex nor their representatives have commented on technical details of the image, and no official source has indicated that the photograph deviates from standard presentation practices.
Consistency With Past Holiday Greetings
Since stepping back from full-time royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan have continued to share annual holiday greetings that balance personal warmth with charitable emphasis. Previous Christmas cards and videos have often highlighted causes such as mental health, community support, gender equality, and disaster relief.
The 2025 greeting followed this established approach, with the inclusion of family moments framed within broader community engagement rather than personal exposure.
Privacy and Public Interest
The Sussexes have consistently stated their intention to protect their children’s privacy while allowing them to experience community involvement and service. Public appearances and shared images involving Archie and Lilibet have remained infrequent and carefully controlled.
This approach mirrors practices adopted by many public figures who seek to balance transparency with family boundaries.
Focus Remains on the Message
The primary purpose of the Christmas release was to convey seasonal goodwill and reflect on Archewell’s work throughout the year. The video and accompanying image underscored themes of togetherness, gratitude, and service, which are central to the foundation’s stated mission.
While public interest in high-profile families often extends beyond intended messaging, official communications remain focused on charitable outcomes and positive engagement.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2025 Christmas greeting combined a reflective video and a family photograph to mark the holiday season. Shared through official Archewell platforms and Meghan’s social media, the release highlighted community service, family participation, and year-end appreciation.
Consistent with previous years, the Sussexes’ message emphasized connection and contribution rather than commentary, reinforcing their ongoing focus on charitable work and seasonal goodwill.