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Talk about an early Christmas gift for royal fans! The long-awaited first photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ’s daughter Lilibet Diana has finally been released. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s baby girl stars in her family’s 2021 holiday card alongside her parents and big brother, Archie Harrison . The sweet picture was taken by the Sussexes’ royal wedding photographer Alexi Lubomirski this summer at their home in Santa Barbara, California.
The Duke and Duchess were pictured beaming as they gazed up at their baby girl, who was lifted in the air by Meghan. Meanwhile, Harry held his mini-me Archie, two, on his lap. The couple as well as their son were dressed down sporting jeans for the sweet family picture.
Beneath the image, the Sussexes included a message that reads: “This year, 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Lilibet, to the world. Archie made us a ‘Mama’ and a ‘Papa’, and Lili made us a family. As we look forward to 2022, we have made donations on your behalf to several organizations that honor and protect families – from those being relocated from Afghanistan, to American families in need of paid parental leave:”
They went on to list the organizations Team Rubicon, Welcome.US, Human First Coalition, Humanity Crew, Paid Leave For All, PL+US, and Marshall Plan for Moms.
The Sussexes concluded their message with: “Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours! As ever, Harry, Meghan, Archie & Lili.”
Photographer Alexi said that the family of four’s photo was “one of those rare and special projects, that one is fortunate enough to be a part of.” Sharing the image on Instagram, Alexi wrote: “To be able to continue the story of this family whom I first photographed as an engaged couple, then on the day of their wedding, as a married couple and now seeing their love manifest into two beautiful children, has been a delightful honour.”
“Anyone who has seen my #AllLoveSeries, will know that one of the greatest joys I receive from photography, is when I am able to photograph “love” in some form or another. To be trusted by your subjects enough, to open themselves up and have their connection documented and translated into an image, is one of the greatest gifts a photographer can have,” he continued. “This day with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was one such joyous experience, and one that I feel extremely privileged to have been invited to capture.”