A serene family portrait depicting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry alongside their cherubic children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, almost slipped under the radar. Roughly two months after the pages of *Architectural Digest* provided a glimpse into Gloria Steinem's sophisticated New York City abode, eagle-eyed admirers discovered an unrevealed snapshot of the Sussex family perched on a side table. This timeless black-and-white photograph captured the quartet beaming as they lounged lazily in a meadow of verdant grass.
The intimate snapshot was originally enclosed within a personalized holiday greeting card that the couple thoughtfully dispatched to their innermost circle of friends and family in 2023. The bond between Meghan and Steinem runs deep; the feminist icon once commended the Duchess of Sussex to *PEOPLE* in 2022, describing her as "witty, intelligent, and deeply committed to social causes."
In 2024, Meghan, 43, and Prince Harry, 40, embarked on a dual Christmas card campaign. Alongside a confidential missive reserved for their nearest and dearest, which remained unseen by the public eye, they unveiled a festive card in December adorned with six enchanting photographs. Five of these images chronicled their public endeavors throughout the year, highlighting their tours to Nigeria and Colombia. The sixth, a heartwarming family portrait, showcased the dynamic duo's offspring—5-year-old Archie and 3-year-old Lilibet—dashing excitedly towards their parents, accompanied by their loyal canines: Guy (sadly, now deceased), Pula, and Mia. The children, sharing their father's fiery red hair, were captured from behind, radiating sheer joy.
In 2021, the Sussexes utilized their holiday card as a vehicle to introduce the world to their newborn daughter, who arrived that June. "This year, 2021, marked the arrival of our cherished Lilibet. Archie bestowed upon us the titles of 'Mama' and 'Papa,' and Lilibet completed our family," their heartfelt message read.
Archie and Lilibet have made fleeting appearances in publicly shared photographs, including the Netflix docuseries *Harry & Meghan*, but their visages are meticulously obscured to safeguard their privacy. Meghan and Prince Harry are steadfast in their commitment to shielding their children from the public spotlight, prioritizing their protection and well-being.
"Harry has been hesitant to showcase his children publicly, not due to a desire for secrecy, but out of a genuine concern for their privacy and security against potential dangers. He yearns for them to lead ordinary lives, unencumbered by fears of abduction or harm," a close confidant revealed to *PEOPLE* last summer.
"As a doting father and devoted husband, Harry is resolute in ensuring that the tragic fate of his mother, Princess Diana, does not befall his own children," the friend added poignantly.
Meghan has recently resumed her presence on Instagram, paying a poignant tribute to Guy following his passing, which featured an array of never-before-seen images and video clips of Archie and Lilibet. In her most recent video, the Duchess of Sussex recounted the delightful tale of how she secured Billie Eilish merchandise intended as a gift for a 15-year-old victim of the January L.A. fires. The mother of two donned a bespoke sweatshirt, its collar adorned with the names of her beloved children, Archie and Lilibet.
