,type=downsize)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have released their 2020 holiday card ahead of their first Christmas in the US. The greeting featuring the couple’s one-year-old son Archie Harrison and their dogs—Pula and Guy—was shared by Mayhew, which the Duchess of Sussex is patron of. “We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex. 🎄 The Duke and Duchess have also made a personal donation, helping us continue to be there for the dogs, cats and people in our community this winter and beyond. From all of us at Mayhew, two and four-legged, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🐶🐱💜,” the animal welfare charity captioned the card.
The image was taken by Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland at the royal family’s multimillion dollar home in Montecito, California. “The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess’s mother,” a spokesperson for the Sussexes said (via HOLA! USA’s sister brand HELLO!). “The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays.”
The royal trio was dressed down for the backyard photo session. Meghan and Harry, who stepped back as senior members of the royal family earlier this year, were pictured playing with Archie, whose red hair was on full display, in a playhouse on their property.
The Duchess revealed in the card that her family made a personal donation to Mayhew. It says: “This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind. From a local California organisation 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 honoured their work on behalf of all of us.”
Mayhew noted that Meghan and Harry’s generosity will help them “weather the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and enable us to reach the animals and people who are struggling.”
In addition to their card, the Duke and Duchess will be releasing a holiday special on Spotify, which the couple’s audio-first production company Archewell Audio recently signed a “multi-year partnership” with, this month. “We’re talking to some amazing people,” Meghan teased. “They’re going to share their memories that have really helped shape this past year, which has been, as we know, a difficult one for everyone.”