Meghan Markle released a series of nine photographs to celebrate Prince Harry's 42nd birthday, offering an intimate look at their family life. The Duchess of Sussex shared the montage on Instagram with a caption stating, 'He's simply the best. Happy birthday, my love,' accompanied by a heart emoji.
The collection of images features Harry with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, as well as their labrador Pula. One photo depicts Harry driving a quad bike with Archie and Lilibet on either side, with Pula following behind. The setting is believed to be Althorp, the home of Earl Spencer. Another image shows Harry wearing a Santa Barbara Fire Department cap while sharing a kiss with Lilibet, who is wearing a bright headband.
The embellishments on Lilibet's headband appeared to be miniature Mahjong tiles, a game that Meghan Markle enjoys and has played with friends. The Duchess has previously hosted gatherings for her 'Maj Squad' to play the game.
Other photos in the montage include Harry holding hands with Lilibet during a ski trip. The couple are known enthusiasts of winter sports and have vacationed at locations like Whistler Blackcomb in Canada and Montana's Yellowstone Club. A black-and-white image shows Harry carrying Lilibet's pink tasselled bicycle as they walk together. The family dog, Pula, is also visible in some of the outdoor shots.
In one picture, Lilibet is seen taking a photograph of Harry with a polaroid camera during a family dinner. Another shows Lilibet and Harry enjoying a lake view from a balcony. Harry and Archie are also pictured playing archery together.
A romantic shot of Meghan and Harry embracing in a vineyard, with their children playing in the background, was also included. Another striking black-and-white photograph shows Harry looking thoughtful while wearing sunglasses and a hat, with some suggesting it may have been taken by their friend and photographer Misan Harriman.
This release of personal photos follows news that Archie and Lilibet have moved to a new school in the United Kingdom. The children had recently begun classes in England after the family relocated from the U.S. on August 26, but a change was made due to logistical issues related to their security team. A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed the decision was made after discussions with the security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements, emphasizing that it was not a reflection on the school or the care the children received.
Sources close to the couple indicated that the move was necessary due to operational security challenges with the school run. Friends of the couple expressed regret over the change, noting that the children and parents had adored the previous school. Archie and Lilibet will now attend a different school in the area after a taster session on Monday.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry's request for taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK is reportedly under review. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were informed that a decision regarding the security threat to them both would be examined at a recent meeting. Harry has been involved in a dispute with the Home Office over his automatic right to security, which was removed after he stepped down as a senior royal in 2020 and moved to California.