Prince Harry Shares Heartwarming Family Updates: Archie, Lilibet, and Their Beloved “Emotional Support” Dogs
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, recently offered a heartwarming glimpse into his vibrant family life in Montecito, California. During a virtual meeting with the courageous young winners of the 2022 WellChild Awards, the royal shared delightful updates about his two young children, Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, and even revealed the unique dynamics of their household, which includes not just two energetic toddlers but also three beloved rescue dogs. These candid remarks provide a rare window into the private world of the Sussex family, showcasing Harry’s deep love for his wife, Meghan Markle, their children, and their furry companions, whom he affectionately refers to as additional ‘children’.
A Glimpse into Archie and Lilibet’s Childhood
The Duke’s interaction with the WellChild Award winners, captured in a YouTube video released on October 10th, was marked by genuine warmth and personal connection. One particularly touching moment occurred during his conversation with two parents named Siobhan and Ben, along with their little one named Henry. Little Henry, with an innocent curiosity, asked about Harry’s own children, immediately bringing a bright smile to the 38-year-old royal’s face.
“To answer your question, Henry, Archie is very, very busy,” Harry smiled, his voice filled with paternal pride. He added an equally endearing update about his daughter, “And Lili is learning to use her voice, which is great.” As fans know, Harry shares 3-year-old Archie and his little sister Lilibet, 16 months, with his wife, Meghan Markle.
Archie’s Spirited Nature and Lilibet’s New Voice
These brief but poignant updates offer a captivating snapshot of the children’s development. Prince Archie, now three years old, is undoubtedly navigating the exciting and demanding world of a preschooler. His description as “very, very busy” suggests a spirited and curious personality, likely full of energetic play, enthusiastic exploration, and the endless questions typical of a child his age. This implies a nurturing environment where Archie is encouraged to discover and engage with the world around him, whether it’s through creative play or outdoor adventures in the expansive grounds of their Montecito home.
Princess Lilibet Diana, at 16 months, is entering a crucial stage of language acquisition. Her “learning to use her voice” indicates she is beginning to babble, form sounds, and perhaps even speak her first words, a significant and cherished milestone for any toddler. This period of vocal experimentation is vital for cognitive and social development, marking her emergence as an increasingly communicative member of the family. These insights collectively underscore the Duke and Duchess’s commitment to fostering their children’s growth in a loving and stimulating environment, relatively free from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies traditional royal upbringings.
Previous Rare Glimpses of the Royal Children
Public glimpses of Archie and Lilibet have been carefully curated by their parents, who prioritize their children’s privacy above all else. However, the Duke and Duchess occasionally share precious moments with the world, much to the delight of royal enthusiasts. Harry had previously given another rare update on his son in an April interview with TODAY, during which he confessed Archie has a “cheeky” personality – a trait that seems to have only grown as he gets older.
Royal watchers fondly recall the last public photograph of Prince Archie, which appeared on the family’s 2021 holidays Christmas card. This charming image captured Archie alongside his parents and baby sister, offering a sweet, informal look at the growing family. It was a rare and cherished moment, given the family’s decision to largely keep their children out of the public eye since their move to California, allowing them to experience a more normal childhood.
Princess Lilibet’s first birthday in June provided another delightful surprise. To mark the occasion, an official portrait of their daughter was released, enchanting royal fans worldwide. The photograph, taken during her visit to London for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s historical Platinum Jubilee celebrations, showed a beaming Lilibet, capturing her playful spirit. This trip was particularly significant as it marked Lilibet’s first meeting with her great-grandmother, the Queen, a poignant moment connecting generations of the royal family. The Jubilee period itself was a monumental event, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s unprecedented 70 years on the throne, making Lilibet’s birthday portrait even more memorable and historically significant.
The Canine Companions: Five Children in the Sussex Household
Beyond the updates on his human children, Prince Harry delighted audiences with a charming revelation about the family’s furry members. During Harry’s conversation with another family at the WellChild event, their service dog, Hope, unexpectedly crashed the chat, prompting Harry to share more insight into what his life in California truly looks like, especially its animal aspect. With a chuckle and a heartwarming smile, he announced, “I’ve got three in this house now, so we basically have five children.” This endearing comment highlighted the significant role pets play in the Sussex household, intertwining their lives with the playful chaos and unconditional love that animals bring.
The Duke then introduced his canine companions by name: “I’ve got a black Labrador called Pula, a rescue beagle called Guy and we’ve got another rescue beagle called Mia.” Pula, the black Labrador, is a loyal and energetic breed known for its friendly disposition, intelligence, and a deep affection for family, perfectly suited for a busy family with young children. Guy and Mia, both rescue beagles, bring their own unique charm. Beagles are famous for their keen sense of smell, playful nature, and often mischievous personalities, making them wonderful, if sometimes boisterous, companions. The fact that Guy and Mia are rescue dogs further underscores Meghan and Harry’s commitment to animal welfare, a cause both have publicly supported and advocated for throughout their public lives.
Life in Montecito with Their Beloved Dogs
Harry painted a vivid picture of their daily lives in Montecito, describing how the three dogs “drudged around chasing the squirrels every day,” a familiar and often humorous scene for many pet owners in sunny California. This daily routine of playful chasing adds a layer of natural entertainment and activity to their sprawling property. But beyond their playful antics and everyday mischief, Harry also revealed their deeper significance: “they are also emotional support dogs, when they’re behaving.” This statement speaks volumes about the comfort and companionship these animals provide, particularly in a household that has navigated significant life changes, international relocations, and intense media scrutiny.
Emotional support animals are known to offer profound psychological benefits, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and foster a sense of calm and well-being. For a family like the Sussexes, who have openly discussed the importance of mental health and emotional resilience, their dogs are clearly integral to their family unit, offering unwavering loyalty, constant affection, and a reliable source of joy and grounding amidst their unique public and private lives. Their presence undoubtedly contributes to the loving and supportive atmosphere Meghan and Harry strive to create for Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry’s Unwavering Dedication to WellChild Amidst Royal Mourning
Prince Harry’s virtual attendance at the WellChild Awards held profound significance, especially given the circumstances surrounding his initial plans. He had originally been scheduled to meet with the WellChild Award winners in person when he was visiting England in early September. However, these plans were tragically disrupted by the sudden and unexpected death of his beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8th. The Duke immediately traveled to the UK to be with his family during this period of national mourning and to participate in the funeral ceremonies, a solemn and historic event that united the nation in grief and paid tribute to a remarkable monarch.
During his virtual interactions with the families, Harry made sure to offer heartfelt apologies for his absence from the in-person awards ceremony. His sincere regret was palpable, demonstrating his deep personal commitment to the WellChild charity and the children and families it supports. His delayed personal congratulations to the honored families came approximately three weeks after he returned home from the UK, following an intense period of public mourning and private grief. This dedication highlights Harry’s unwavering support for WellChild, an organization he has proudly championed for many years, first as its Patron and later as its President. His continued engagement, even amidst profound personal loss and family challenges, reinforces the paramount importance of this cause to him.
Understanding the Impact of WellChild Charity
WellChild is a profoundly impactful UK-based national charity dedicated to providing essential care and support for seriously ill children and young people across the United Kingdom. Its mission is deeply rooted in the belief that these children and young people have the best possible chance to thrive at home with their families, rather than spending prolonged periods in hospitals. The organization achieves this through various crucial initiatives, including providing specialist nurses who offer vital medical care and support, offering practical help to families navigating complex health needs, and delivering programs that significantly enhance the quality of life for those facing challenging health conditions.
The annual WellChild Awards are a cornerstone of the charity’s efforts, serving as a powerful platform to celebrate “the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.” These awards recognize not only the incredible resilience, courage, and spirit of the children themselves but also the tireless dedication of their caregivers, supportive siblings, and the selfless medical professionals who provide extraordinary care. Prince Harry’s long-standing patronage of WellChild dates back to 2007, a testament to his enduring passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children. Over the years, he has attended numerous award ceremonies, visited families in their homes, and actively participated in fundraising events, consistently using his global platform to raise critical awareness and garner essential support for WellChild’s vital work. His genuine empathy and personal connection with the children and their families have made him an immensely popular and effective advocate for the charity.
A Balanced Life: Royal Duties and Family Joys
Prince Harry’s recent conversations with the WellChild Award winners not only highlighted the incredible strength and spirit of the young recipients but also offered a rare and endearing glimpse into his personal world. From the spirited antics of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the comforting and sometimes chaotic presence of their three rescue dogs, the Duke of Sussex painted a vivid picture of a full, loving, and undoubtedly bustling household. These insights reinforce the public image of Harry as a devoted family man, deeply invested in the well-being and happiness of his children and the cherished home life he shares with Meghan Markle.
His continued dedication to charities like WellChild, even as he navigates the complexities of his royal duties and private life in California, further exemplifies his profound commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly children in need. The blend of candid family revelations and steadfast charitable work underscores Prince Harry’s evolving role, balancing personal joy and the responsibilities of fatherhood with his profound purpose as a global humanitarian. His ability to connect authentically with people, share personal anecdotes, and champion meaningful causes continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.