A previously unseen family photo of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was recently discovered in a surprising location: Gloria Steinem’s New York City home. The black-and-white image, showing the family of four smiling while lying in the grass, was spotted by eagle-eyed fans nearly two months after Architectural Digest published a feature on Steinem’s residence. The photo was displayed casually on a side table.
The picture was originally part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private 2023 holiday card sent to close friends and family. The connection between the photo’s location and its subjects lies in the friendship between Meghan Markle and Gloria Steinem. The renowned feminist activist has spoken highly of Markle, describing her as “smart, funny, and devoted to social issues” in a 2022 interview with PEOPLE.
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The Sussexes have a history of sending multiple holiday cards. In addition to the private card featuring the newly discovered photo, they released a public holiday card in December 2024. This card showcased six photos, five highlighting their philanthropic work in Nigeria and Colombia, and one new family image. The family photo captured Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, along with their dogs, Guy, Pula, and Mia, running excitedly towards their parents. Both children were seen sporting their father’s signature red hair.
In 2021, the couple’s holiday card featured the first public photo of their daughter, Lilibet, who was born that year. The card’s message emphasized the completion of their family: “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.”
While Archie and Lilibet have made appearances in photos and videos, including the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, their faces are often obscured. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been intentionally private about their children’s lives to protect them from potential threats and media scrutiny. A close friend of Prince Harry revealed to PEOPLE that his reluctance to expose his children publicly stems from a desire to ensure their safety and well-being, drawing parallels to the experiences of his late mother, Princess Diana.
Meghan Markle’s recent return to Instagram has offered glimpses into the family’s private life. A tribute to their late dog, Guy, included unseen photos and videos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Additionally, a video showcasing Markle’s efforts to obtain Billie Eilish merchandise for a teenager affected by the L.A. fires featured the Duchess wearing a custom sweatshirt with Archie and Lili’s names embroidered on the collar. These subtle appearances continue to fuel public interest in the Sussex children while maintaining a degree of privacy.
