Duchess Meghan Markle recently surprised fans by sharing a rare photo of her children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, taken in the garden of the sprawling mansion she shares with Prince Harry in California. Posted in March 2025, the image captures Meghan holding her youngest in her arms while being embraced by her eldest, offering a tender glimpse into the family’s private life. The noticeable growth of the children, who are seldom seen publicly, sparked widespread attention online, with many noting their striking resemblance to their parents and the signature red hair inherited from Harry.
For years, Meghan and Harry have kept their children largely out of the spotlight, a deliberate choice reflecting their intent to shield them from the relentless scrutiny that follows the British royal family. After stepping away from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to the United States, the couple has maintained a low profile, sharing only occasional, curated snippets of their lives. This latest photo, however, signals a subtle shift as Meghan re-enters the social media sphere, giving followers a peek into their serene existence in Montecito, where their $14 million mansion provides a picturesque backdrop.
Accompanied by the caption “Every day is a love story,” the photo was met with an outpouring of positivity from fans, who praised the heartwarming family moment. Dressed casually, Meghan beams alongside Archie and Lilibet, whose faces remain partially obscured, preserving the privacy the couple fiercely guards. Just days earlier, another post featured Lilibet picking strawberries in the same garden, with Meghan celebrating the arrival of spring with the words, “A toast to the first day of spring,” adding a light, seasonal touch to her recent shares.
Gradual return to social media
Meghan Markle, once an active online presence before marrying Harry, had stepped back from social media upon joining the royal family. Her return in 2025 aligns with new personal ventures, including the launch of a television program centered on wellness and cooking. This re-emergence is widely seen as an effort to reconnect with the public on her own terms, free from the constraints of royal protocol. The photo with her children serves not only as a personal milestone but also as a way to soften her public image and bolster her evolving brand.
The couple’s discretion regarding Archie and Lilibet has been a defining feature of their parenting approach. Since Archie’s birth in May 2019 and Lilibet’s in June 2021, official images have been scarce. The decision to keep their faces hidden in these recent posts has sparked varied reactions. While some applaud the protective stance, others wonder how long this level of privacy can be maintained in an era of insatiable digital curiosity about royalty.
Public reactions to the Sussex family
Social media responses highlight the polarized views that have trailed Meghan and Harry since their royal exit. “They’re so big and so red-haired! Too cute!” gushed one follower, captivated by the children’s growth. Another called the family “beautiful and lovely,” reflecting widespread admiration. Yet, the choice to conceal their faces stirred debate. “I get protecting them, but how long will they hide them?” one user asked, while another supported the move, citing Brazilian singer Sandy’s similar approach: “She kept her son private, and it was the best thing—he can live freely.”
- “Such a charming family, but I’d love to see more of them.”
- “I admire how they shield their kids; it’s rare these days.”
- “Those red locks are pure Harry!”
A new chapter for Meghan
Beyond family snapshots, Meghan has been carving out a fresh identity through projects that echo her pre-royal passions. Her 2025 TV program delves into cooking and wellness, reminiscent of her former blog, The Tig, shuttered in 2017. In a candid exchange on the show with actress Mindy Kaling, Meghan reminisced about her childhood love for fast food, naming favorites like Pollo Loco, Taco Bell, and Jack in the Box—the latter a staple her mother, Doria Ragland, adored. The lighthearted chat offered a relatable glimpse of the duchess, contrasting with her once-stiff royal persona.
The conversation took a notable turn when Meghan corrected Mindy for calling her “Markle.” “You know I’m Sussex now,” she said, emphasizing her desire to share the title with her children. The remark split viewers: some found it curt, while others saw it as a proud assertion of her family’s new identity. Using Sussex as a surname, though permissible as part of their ducal title, deviates from the royal norm of Mountbatten-Windsor, which Meghan and Harry also hold.
The Sussex name ties back to the English county from which their title originates, granted by King Charles III in 2018. However, their single, brief visit to the region—lasting mere hours—prompted some to question Meghan’s attachment to it. Still, she underscored its emotional weight, noting, “It’s the name of our little family,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with her.
Life in Montecito and family routine
Purchased in 2020, the Montecito mansion has become the ideal haven for Meghan and Harry to raise Archie and Lilibet away from royal pressures. Boasting nine bedrooms, a pool, and expansive gardens, the estate offers ample space for the children to roam. The strawberry-picking scene with Lilibet hints at a grounded, nature-filled upbringing, a priority for the couple. Nestled in a celebrity enclave alongside neighbors like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, Montecito blends seclusion with access to Hollywood’s elite.
Archie and Lilibet’s growth marks the passage of time since the couple’s royal departure. At five, Archie, born in May 2019, displays an inquisitive spirit, while three-year-old Lilibet, born in June 2021, joins him in outdoor play. Meghan’s shared moments reveal a hands-on mother cherishing her children’s early years, even under public scrutiny.
Sussex family timeline in the U.S.
The journey of Meghan and Harry in America includes key milestones:
- 2020: They exit royal life and settle in California, acquiring the Montecito mansion.
- 2021: Lilibet Diana is born in Santa Barbara, their second child.
- 2023: Harry releases “Spare,” chronicling his life and royal exit.
- 2025: Meghan reclaims social media and debuts her TV show, opening up about family life.
Privacy: praise and pushback
Meghan and Harry’s limited exposure of their children remains a polarizing topic. Unlike Prince William and Kate Middleton, who regularly showcase George, Charlotte, and Louis at public events, the Sussexes have charted a different course. This stance draws parallels to other public figures who prioritize privacy, yet it also invites critique from those expecting more openness given their retained titles.
Supporters laud their approach as a stand for normalcy. “They’re raising their kids like regular people, and that’s inspiring,” one fan wrote. Detractors, however, argue that clinging to ducal titles implies a duty to engage more publicly. This tug-of-war underscores the couple’s challenge in balancing royal legacy with their American reinvention.
Fan-favorite details
Meghan’s posts reveal charming tidbits about her children:
- Archie’s red hair mirrors his father’s, paired with an active, affectionate nature.
- Lilibet’s strawberry-picking reflects a budding curiosity about the outdoors.
- Both thrive in a setting that merges luxury with a down-to-earth vibe, far from royal rigidity.
The garden photo, with its vivid hues and springtime feel, cements the image of a family at ease. By showcasing Archie and Lilibet’s growth, Meghan not only shares a personal chapter but also asserts her independence, shaping the Sussex narrative on her own terms.