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After the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Christmas card was leaked last week showing all five family members adorably matching in blue, we’ve been patiently waiting for any sign of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first festive photo with baby Archie Harrison.
Though there were rumours that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would opt out of the royal family’s Christmas card tradition this year due to travelling, taking a break from their official duties and taking measures to protect their privacy – the couple is currently suing the British tabloid media – overnight, the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Twitter account posted an unexpected e-card from the threesome.
The black and white photo, which was taken by friend of the duchess, actress and photographer Janina Gavankar, shows Harry and Meghan sitting in front of a Christmas tree with seven-month-old Archie Harrison front and centre staring into the camera lens. His parents, who sit on either side of the toddler, are laughing in the background.
In the relaxed photo, Meghan is wearing a turtleneck jumper and black pants while Harry is in a white linen shirt. Baby Archie, who has crawled away from his position in between his parents, wears a cosy knit.
In an effort to be more sustainable in the face of climate change, the couple noted that this year they have chosen to only send their Christmas cards electronically.
The Sussex family has been making headlines for another reason today, too. After the palace released a preview photo of the Queen preparing for her annual end of year speech, people noticed a photo of Harry and Meghan was missing from her desk, while the Cambridge family’s 2019 Christmas card is in clear view.
Though last year, the Queen included a portrait of the couple from Harry and Meghan’s May 19th wedding, it seems to have been removed, while photos of Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla, and the Queen’s father King George VI are all visible.
Some have taken the missing photo to mean that HRH isn’t happy with the Sussexes – perhaps due to them opting to spend Christmas in Canada with Meghan’s mum instead of with the royals – however, others noted that the images seem to be just of the next in line to the throne, similar to the photo the palace shared earlier in the week showing all three heirs with the Queen.
