Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release adorable family Christmas card

Harry and Meghan
(Image credit: WireImage)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released their first Christmas card from the US and it's left fans wanting to see more of son Archie!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to do things differently this year - it's their first Christmas in the United States where they have set up home in California - so the couple have given fans a glimpse of their new family life.

And they've just released their Christmas card for 2021.

The pair, who quit the royal family back in April, are pictured outside a festive play house in the garden with 18-month-old son Archie and their pet dogs Pula and Guy -  and shows a bigger glimpse that Archie's red hair is just like his dad's.

But instead of using a hi-res photograph, the Sussexes opted for a painted-style piece.

The card is a drawing of an image taken by Meghan's mother Doria, in the garden of their home in Montecito, California. And the card reads, 'Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.' 

It's understood Archie had selected the ornaments on the Christmas tree and plan to replant the tree after the holidays.

The special seasons greetings from the Sussexes was uploaded to Twitter by the Mayhew animal charity, for whom Meghan is a patron for.

The card is much different to the one they sent out last year.

The charity captioned the latest greetings, 'We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas.'

Inside the card, Meghan wrote, 'This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind. From a local California organisation that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our UK patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honoured their work on behalf of all of us.'

A spokesman for the couple added, "The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by the Duchess's mother. The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays."

Fans are delighted with the fresh glimpse of the Sussexes, with one fan having commented, 'This is just so beautiful. Thank you for all you do and also Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan and Archie painting is so uplifting. The dogs are just fantastic.'

Another fan noted, 'King Archie is has red hair like his daddy' and another Twitter user added, 'Aww Archie has hair now.'

From woman&home, our sister site.

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)