Even though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior royals earlier this year, they have continued to follow a few traditions from their new home in California. In May, that meant sharing a video of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor reading a book with Meghan on his first birthday. Now, the couple has shared another image to celebrate the holidays, their first family portrait since last year’s Christmas card.
On Wednesday, Meghan shared a digital illustration as a part of a message sent through one of her patronages, London animal shelter the Mayhew. The message also announces a few donations that she and Harry have made. “This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind,” Meghan wrote. “From a local California organization that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our U.K. 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 honored their work on behalf of all of us.”
The illustration shows Meghan, Harry, Archie, and the family’s two rescue dogs, beagle Guy and black lab Pula, in front of a small playhouse. According to a spokesperson for the family, “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.”
In July, the Sussexes moved into a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom estate in Montecito, a small community in Santa Barbara. The $14.7 million dollar home also came equipped with a children’s cottage among its many amenities. Earlier this year, People reported that Archie is “best friends” with the family’s pets, and in June, she announced that she had donated funds for a new kennel to the Mayhew in his name as a birthday gift.
Meghan and Harry were unable to join the royal family for the holidays in California due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they will be celebrating at home in Montecito. According to People, they have already exchanged gifts with Kate Middleton and Prince William.
More Great Stories From Vanity Fair
— Inside the Always Online, All-Consuming World of Twin Flames Universe
— Rudy Giuliani’s Daughter, Caroline, on How to Accept That Trump Lost
— Carl Lentz, Ranin Karim, and Hillsong’s Unfurling Scandal
— Billie Eilish Shares How She Spent the Pandemic in Latest Time Capsule
— The Queen Says Goodbye to Her Beloved Dorgi, Vulcan
— Barack Obama on His Book, the Election, and What Actually Makes America Great
— How We Unmasked the Hollywood Con Queen Suspect
— From the Archive: Her Most Loyal Subjects, a History of the Queen’s Kennels
— Not a subscriber? Join Vanity Fair to receive full access to VF.com and the complete online archive now.