5 Rare Glimpses: The Latest Photos Of Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet From Montecito (2025 Update)

The world’s fascination with Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet Diana continues to grow, yet their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, maintain a fiercely guarded approach to their children's privacy. As of early 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have offered only a handful of carefully selected, candid glimpses into their family life in Montecito, California. These rare photos and public appearances are not just snapshots; they are deliberate, heartwarming updates that offer a window into how the royal children are growing up outside the traditional royal spotlight, focusing on their American upbringing and the values of service instilled by their parents.

The most recent and significant release was the family's 2024 holiday card, which provided the clearest look at Archie, now six, and Lilibet, now four, showcasing their vibrant personalities and the close bond they share. This article compiles the most current and unique photo updates and public appearances of the Sussex children, giving royal watchers a fresh, intimate look at the next generation of the Sussex family.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: A Snapshot Biography

The lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are unique, bridging the gap between British royalty and American celebrity culture. Their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have prioritized a private upbringing away from the intense media scrutiny experienced by other members of the British Royal Family.

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• Prince Archie Harrison of Sussex:
• Born: May 6, 2019, at Portland Hospital in London, England.
• Age (Early 2025): 5-6 years old.
• Title: Prince (received title after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II).
• Current Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, USA.
• Education: Attends a private school in Montecito.
• Princess Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana of Sussex:
• Born: June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, USA.
• Age (Early 2025): 3-4 years old.
• Title: Princess (received title after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II).
• Namesake: Named Lilibet after Queen Elizabeth II’s family nickname and Diana after her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
• Distinguishing Feature: Often noted for her strikingly flame-red hair, similar to her father, Prince Harry.

The 2024 Holiday Card: A Candid Look at a Growing Family

One of the most anticipated annual traditions for royal watchers is the release of the Sussex family’s Christmas or Holiday card. The 2024 edition, unveiled in mid-December, offered a particularly revealing and joyous look at Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, confirming their rapid growth and playful nature.

A Dynamic Duo on the Move

The photo of the children was one of six images included in the Archewell Foundation's digital holiday card. Unlike previous, more posed portraits, this particular shot captured a truly candid moment.

• The Scene: The image reportedly shows Archie and Lilibet running, either toward or away from their parents, on what appears to be the grounds of their Montecito estate.
• Archie’s Appearance: Prince Archie, now a school-aged child, was seen exhibiting a playful energy, reflecting the active, outdoor lifestyle his parents have cultivated for him in California. His continued resemblance to his father, Prince Harry, is frequently noted.
• Lilibet’s Hair: Princess Lilibet's fiery red hair was a standout feature, a clear inherited trait from the Spencer family line via her father. Commentators noted her pose and style in the photo, suggesting she is growing into a confident young girl.

This image was significant because it was the first new, clear photo of the children released by the couple in a considerable amount of time, providing a tangible update on their life in the United States and reinforcing their commitment to sharing only select, authentic moments with the public.

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Teaching Service: Archie and Lilibet’s Surprise LA Volunteering Outing

In a move that strongly reflects the values of their parents' Archewell Foundation and Prince Harry's royal upbringing, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet made a rare public appearance ahead of the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday.

A Lesson in Giving Back

The family traveled from their Montecito home to Los Angeles to participate in a pre-Thanksgiving volunteering event. This outing was a clear demonstration of the Duke and Duchess's intention to raise their children with a strong sense of civic duty and community engagement, a core tenet of their post-royal work.

• The Activity: While specific details of the volunteering activity were kept private to protect the children's privacy, it was reported that the family was giving back to the community. This aligns with Prince Harry’s past comments about wanting to teach his children the importance of service.
• The Intention: The decision to bring Archie and Lilibet along was a deliberate choice to expose them to the concept of helping others from a young age. Meghan Markle has often spoken about the importance of manners and taking care of the things around you, a philosophy they are now instilling in their children.
• Media Coverage: The appearance, though brief and carefully managed, generated significant media buzz, highlighting the public's interest in seeing the royal children participate in activities that define their American life. The focus was on their involvement, not just their appearance, adding topical authority to their narrative of service.

Meghan Markle’s Candid Instagram Share: “Every Day is a Love Story”

Beyond official holiday cards, Meghan Markle has occasionally used her social media platform—particularly in connection with her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard (ARO)—to share highly intimate, yet strategically framed, photos of her children.

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A Mother’s Bond in the Montecito Backyard

In the spring of 2024, Meghan shared a touching, candid photo on Instagram that quickly went viral. The image, captioned “Every day is a love story 🕊️,” captured a deeply personal moment between a mother and her children in their lush California backyard.

• The Composition: The photo features Meghan holding Princess Lilibet while Prince Archie hugs her leg. Crucially, the children’s faces are obscured or turned away from the camera, maintaining their strict policy on facial privacy.
• Lilibet’s Growth: The image provided a clear sense of Princess Lilibet’s height and her long, flowing hair, which was described by some outlets as "Rapunzel-length."
• Context and Timing: Posted around the time of UK Mother’s Day and during the launch phase of her new brand, the photo served a dual purpose: a genuine expression of maternal love and a subtle, authentic peek into the domestic bliss that underpins the American Riviera Orchard ethos. This strategic sharing of family life is a key component of their modern public relations strategy, balancing privacy with connection.

The Future of Sussex Family Photos: Balancing Privacy and Public Life

As Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet continue to grow up in Montecito, the pattern established by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is clear: their children’s privacy is paramount. Official photos will remain rare, highly curated, and tied to significant family or charitable milestones.

We can anticipate that future glimpses will continue to prioritize their charitable work through the Archewell Foundation, such as the pre-Thanksgiving volunteering, or be released as part of personal celebrations, like birthdays or holiday cards. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expertly navigating the complexities of their unique royal-celebrity status, ensuring that any photo of their children serves a purpose—to celebrate family, promote service, or share a moment of genuine, candid joy—while protecting their right to a normal, private American childhood.