It feels like just yesterday when Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced the birth of their first child via their now-defunct Instagram account, @sussexroyal. In fact, it’s been exactly an entire year, as little Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor celebrates his very first birthday today on May 6!
Since his birth, we’ve only managed to catch a few glimpses of the royal baby, as his parents are renowned for keeping much of their lives personal, especially when it comes to their son.
Which is why we were pleasantly surprised when an entire video was released today to mark Archie’s big day. The adorable and rare video, shared by non-profit organisation Save The Children UK, was recorded by Prince Harry himself and shows loving mum Meghan reading “Duck! Rabbit!” to a beaming baby Archie.
It was also released in an effort to help raise funds for children in vulnerable families whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
As Archie turns one, and the Sussex family celebrate from their brand new home in Los Angeles, we thought we’d look back at Archie’s first year in pictures – from official portraits to all those sweet candid photos shared on Instagram.
Here he is! At his first royal photo call, Archie’s name hadn’t been officially revealed but slept peacefully in his dad’s arms for the entirety.
“It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy,” Duchess Meghan said of becoming a mother. The couple also revealed that their newborn had a “sweet temperament” and was very “calm.”
In a stunning photo shared by Sussex Royal, we saw the Queen and Prince Philip meet their great-grandson and Duchess Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland looking on fondly.
To celebrate Mother’s Day in the US, Sussex Royal shared a photo of Meghan lovingly cradling her son’s tiny feet against a backdrop of forget-me-not flowers- Princess Diana’s favourite bloom.
For Father’s Day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a similar candid photo of little Archie holding on to his dad’s finger. Too cute!
Archie’s christening was attended by his royal family members, his grandmother Doria and his great aunts Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s sisters.
We simply adore this moment snapped between the family of three from the day.
Archie ticked off a huge milestone when he accompanied Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan on their royal tour of Africa.
The five-month old Archie stole the show when they had tea with Archbishop Tutu and his daughter, Thandeka Tutu Gxashe.
At Christmas time, Harry and Meghan released a GIF of their adorable young son gazing curiously into the camera as the proud parents smiled behind him. And thus, fans went into understandable meltdown.
We’re looking forward to more adorable snapshots of the royal bub!
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Text: Alex Lilly/The Australian Women’s Weekly, Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew