Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s firstborn, lives far away from the typical royal upbringing. As the young prince celebrates his fifth birthday, glimpses into his daily life reveal a world filled with joyful activities, surprising responsibilities, and a nurturing environment crafted by his parents. Yet, behind the serene facade of his California home lies a story of deliberate choices and profound changes, shaping the childhood of a boy who holds a unique place in modern royal history.
Archie’s life, while grounded in simple pleasures, also reflects the profound shift his parents undertook to redefine what it means to grow up as part of the royal family. With a routine that includes everything from helping in the kitchen to exploring the family garden, Archie’s experiences are anything but ordinary. But what truly sets his story apart are the values and lessons instilled by Harry and Meghan, guiding him through a childhood designed to balance normalcy with the unique legacy of his heritage.
As we delve deeper into Prince Archie’s private world, the contrast between his quiet, intimate celebrations and the traditional royal spotlight becomes even more striking. His upbringing is a testament to the choices made by his parents, choices that continue to shape his future in ways that defy convention and expectation.
Growing Up in California: Archie’s Joyful Childhood and Daily Life
Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has a joyful and active upbringing in California. Despite his young age, Archie enjoys a variety of activities that many might find surprising for a five-year-old. His days are filled with fun and learning, often spent with his parents and younger sister, Princess Lilibet.
Archie has embraced a hands-on approach to life, taking part in activities like cooking and gardening. He is often seen helping his parents in the kitchen, standing on a secured stool to reach the countertop as he prepares dough for baking. This interest in cooking highlights not only his curiosity but also the emphasis his parents place on involving him in everyday tasks.
Gardening is another of Archie’s favorite pastimes. He enjoys picking oranges from the family garden, a task he often undertakes with his father. In the couple’s Netflix documentary, “Harry & Meghan,” a heartwarming scene shows Harry picking oranges and tossing them down to Archie, who eagerly catches them and places them in a wicker basket. This interaction not only showcases Archie’s active lifestyle but also the close bond he shares with his parents.
Playtime is equally important in Archie’s daily routine. He is seen enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood, such as playing with his cherished family dogs, Labrador Pula and Beagle Guy, and chasing seagulls at the beach. One memorable moment from the documentary shows Archie delighting in the snow, dressed warmly and accompanied by his mother.
Archie’s adventurous spirit is evident in his imaginative play. At the age of three, he asked his mom to listen to his heartbeat using a wooden toy stethoscope. Meghan indulged his request, listening attentively to the thumping of his chest, much to Archie’s giggles and satisfaction. This interaction highlights the nurturing environment Harry and Meghan strive to create, encouraging Archie’s inquisitive mind.
Archie’s pre-school experiences are filled with the kind of everyday adventures that many children cherish. His mother often picks him up from school, and one particular trip home involved Archie enjoying a quesadilla while eagerly waiting to roll down the window once they reached a large hedge he loved for reasons known only to him.
Meghan received a letter from Archie’s teacher, informing her that he had a positive day at school, although he hadn’t eaten his sandwich and needed a shirt change mid-morning after playing at the water table. These snippets of his school life provide a glimpse into the normalcy and joy that characterize his upbringing.
Growing up in the sunshine of California, Archie benefits from a nurturing environment that allows him to explore and learn through various activities. His upbringing is marked by the love and attention of his parents, who strive to provide him with a balanced and enriched childhood, away from the royal spotlight.
Archie’s daily life is enriched by these small yet significant moments that shape his character and understanding of the world. Whether it’s through his playful interactions, his educational experiences, or the values instilled by his parents, Archie is growing up in an environment that balances normal childhood experiences with the unique aspects of his family’s life.
A Birthday Fit for a Prince: Archie’s Special Day
Archie recently celebrated his fifth birthday in a manner befitting his private and joyful upbringing. The occasion was marked quietly and intimately at the family home in California. Unlike typical royal celebrations that garner public attention, Archie’s birthday was a close-knit affair, attended by his loving parents, sister Lilibet, and grandmother, Doria Ragland.
Interestingly, the royal family in the UK did not publicly acknowledge Archie’s birthday. This absence of recognition is attributed to the protocol changes following Queen Elizabeth II’s death. With King Charles III assuming the monarch, the focus of public posts has shifted to the activities of working members of the royal family. Since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their official duties, their children, including Archie, are no longer featured in these public acknowledgments.
Despite this, the celebration at home was filled with love and joy. Archie enjoyed the presence of his immediate family, now his main US support system. The family’s decision to maintain a low profile for such personal milestones underscores their desire to give their children a more private and grounded upbringing.
Royal expert Tom Quinn has noted that King Charles III is eager to forge a relationship with Archie and Lilibet. However, the physical distance and the family’s estrangement from royal duties have made this challenging. Harry and Meghan’s decision to relocate to the US when Archie was just five months old significantly impacted the potential for regular interactions between the children and their royal relatives.
Archie’s birthday celebration reflects the couple’s commitment to creating meaningful and personal experiences for their children. Away from the pomp and circumstance of royal life, Archie is growing up with the simplicity and warmth of a close family unit. His birthdays are less about public displays and more about genuine moments of connection and joy with his loved ones.
Harry and Meghan’s Parenting Philosophy
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s approach to parenting is rooted in values of equality, communication, and teamwork. These principles have been a cornerstone of their relationship and have only strengthened since they became parents to Prince Archie in 2019 and Princess Lilibet in 2021. A close friend of the Sussexes recently shared that the couple is “loving life as parents of two,” emphasizing that “Meghan is the best mom, and Harry is always on the floor playing with the kids. They are still such a team.”
This teamwork dynamic is evident in how they navigate their parenting responsibilities. Meghan and Harry are dedicated to raising their children in a healthy environment, modeling strong relationships and the importance of being good, kind people. Meghan has spoken about the challenges and rewards of conscious parenting. During an episode of her Archetypes podcast in 2022, she stated, “It is so much work to be a mom when you are just trying to be a conscious parent to raise good, kind human beings.”
The Sussexes’ commitment to their children’s well-being extends beyond their immediate family. Their philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on children and mental health, reflect their broader vision for a kinder, more compassionate world. On World Mental Health Day, Meghan and Harry hosted The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age alongside Carson Daly. The event aimed to support families affected by cyberbullying and to discuss ways to create a safer digital environment.
Meghan expressed her concerns about the digital age, saying, “I feel fortunate that our children are quite young, so this isn’t in our immediate future, but I also feel frightened by how it’s continuing to change and this will be in front of us.” Harry added, “I think for us, with kids growing up in a digital age, the priority is to turn pain into purpose and provide as much support as well as a spotlight and a platform for parents.”
At home, Meghan and Harry focus on nurturing their children’s development through play and hands-on activities. Harry is often seen playing on the floor with Archie and Lilibet, fostering a close and interactive relationship with them. Meghan, on the other hand, emphasizes teaching values such as bravery, politeness, and empathy. She involves Archie in acts of kindness, like giving a backpack to an unhoused man, to instill a sense of compassion and social awareness from a young age.
What Will Archie Be When He Grows Up?
As Archie grows, his parents, Harry and Meghan, have prioritized encouraging his dreams and aspirations, fostering an environment where he feels free to explore various interests. Harry often shares insights into these conversations, revealing the depth of their engagement with Archie’s budding ambitions.
During the 5th Invictus Games’ opening ceremony, Harry spoke about his discussions with Archie regarding potential future careers. These talks highlight a nurturing approach, allowing Archie to dream big while grounding him in the values of character and integrity. On some days, Archie expresses a desire to be an astronaut, captivated by the mysteries of space.
On other days, he leans towards becoming a helicopter pilot, possibly inspired by his father’s own experiences with flying. Additionally, Archie has shown a playful interest in becoming Kwazii, a character from the popular children’s show, “Octonauts,” demonstrating his vivid imagination and the influence of his favorite shows on his aspirations.
Harry’s approach to these conversations is both supportive and realistic. He emphasizes to Archie that whatever career path he chooses, his character matters most. Harry has said, “It doesn’t matter what you want to be when you grow up, it’s who you are that matters most.” This message underscores the importance of values such as kindness, bravery, and integrity, which Harry and Meghan strive to instill in their children.
The influence of the Invictus Games also plays a significant role in shaping these discussions. Harry often highlights the admirable traits of the Invictus Games participants, using them as role models for Archie.
He shares stories of resilience, courage, and determination, hoping to inspire Archie to develop similar qualities. Harry expressed that nothing would bring him and Meghan more pride than seeing Archie embody the values of the Invictus Games athletes.
Additionally, Archie’s environment in California offers numerous opportunities for him to explore and discover his interests. The family’s garden, for instance, serves not only as a place for outdoor fun but also as a space for learning about nature and responsibility.
How Has the Move to the US Shaped Archie’s Life?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their royal duties and move to the United States was a significant shift. They were motivated by their desire to provide a more private and grounded upbringing for their children, Archie and Lilibet. This move has had a profound impact on their family dynamics and the children’s experiences.
Harry and Meghan made the decision to relocate to the US when Archie was just five months old. This move was driven by their wish to escape the intense media scrutiny and public attention that came with their roles in the UK. By settling in California, they sought to create a safer and more serene environment for their family. Harry, who grew up in the UK under the constant glare of the media, wanted a different experience for his children, away from the relentless spotlight.
In their new home, Harry and Meghan have been able to focus on raising their children with more freedom and privacy. Their California residence, with its extensive garden and serene surroundings, starkly contrasts the formality and public nature of royal life. This environment has allowed Archie and Lilibet to enjoy a more relaxed and carefree childhood, filled with outdoor activities and personal family time.
Harry has often spoken about how the move to the US has given him a sense of peace and fulfillment. He refers to the US as “home,” reflecting how the family has embraced their new life. The decision to step back from royal duties and relocate was not without challenges, but Harry and Meghan have remained steadfast in their commitment to prioritizing their family’s well-being. They continue to engage in professional and leisure pursuits while maintaining limited interaction with the royal family.
The move has also had implications for Archie’s relationship with his extended family in the UK. Due to the distance and the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties, interactions with the royal family have been limited. Harry and Meghan have focused on creating a supportive and loving environment for their children in their new home despite these challenges.
Redefining Royalty in Modern Times
Prince Archie’s life in California, characterized by simple joys and profound parental love, is a unique chapter in modern royal history. Away from the traditional royal environment, Archie grew up surrounded by nature, family, and values emphasizing empathy and kindness. His parents, Harry and Meghan, have carefully crafted a nurturing space that allows him to explore, learn, and dream, all while being shielded from the intense public scrutiny that once enveloped their lives.
As Archie continues to grow, the choices made by Harry and Meghan will undoubtedly shape his future in ways that are both grounded and extraordinary. Their commitment to providing a balanced and loving upbringing, free from the constraints of royal expectations, paves the way for a new kind of royal legacy—one that is defined by personal fulfillment, character, and the freedom to carve out an individual path. In this serene and supportive environment, Archie is set to thrive, embodying the best of both his heritage and the values his parents hold dear.