The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have famously kept their son Archie out of the limelight, but the couple has now shared a new photo of the young royal to celebrate his second birthday, albeit, one that doesn’t show his face.
Archie turned two on May 6, and it appears he celebrated his big day at home in Montecito, California. The new photo shows the tiny tot clutching a bunch of balloons and looking up as they float above his head.
The image was posted to the website for Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, alongside a message asking fans to donate their money to support the couple’s latest cause to distribute Covid-19 vaccines around the world.
“We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honor [sic] of Archie’s birthday,” they wrote. “Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of service—all through the goodness of your hearts. You raise funds for those who need it most, and continue to do so organically and selflessly. We remain incredibly grateful.
“This year, our world continues to be on the path to recovery from COVID-19. Yet too many families are still struggling with the impact of this pandemic. While some places are on the verge of healing, in so many parts of the world, communities continue to suffer.
“We will not be able to truly recover until everyone, everywhere, has equal access to the vaccine. And with that intention, we are inviting you to contribute whatever you can—if you have the means to do so—to bring vaccines to families in the world’s most vulnerable places.”
The royal couple told fans that even a donation of $5 could make a difference. They have also organised for a number of big businesses to match donations so that the pool of funds can grow faster and be put to work around the world sooner.
“We cannot think of a more resonant way to honor [sic] our son’s birthday. If we all show up, with compassion for those we both know and don’t know, we can have a profound impact. Even a small contribution can have a ripple effect,” they wrote.
Other members of the royal family also celebrated Archie’s birthday by sharing photos on social media.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a family photo taken after Archie’s christening in 2019, showing Harry and Meghan at the centre of the shot. The Queen and Prince Philip are both notably missing from the photo but that is because neither attended the christening ceremony. The Queen, who rarely cancels a royal engagement, was already committed to another event, and Philip was thought to be unwell at the time.
The royal family’s official Instagram account, which represents the Queen, and Prince Charles and Camilla’s Instagram account Clarence House, also shared photos of Archie to wish him a happy birthday.
Charles chose a gorgeous black-and-white photo of himself standing alongside Harry, who is holding Archie on his christening day. The accompanying message simply read: “Happy birthday to Archie, who turns two today.”
Archie’s birthday is the latest in a spate of royal celebrations over the past month. The Queen, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte have all celebrated their birthdays in recent weeks. William and Catherine shared two gorgeous new portraits of their children to mark the special days. You can see Prince Louis photo here, and Princess Charlotte’s photo here.