Prince Archie’s Aspiring Eye: A Leica Christmas Wish and Meghan Markle’s Royal Photography Legacy

In a charming revelation that has captured the attention of royal watchers and photography enthusiasts alike, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently shared a delightful anecdote about her son, Prince Archie. It appears that the four-and-a-half-year-old royal has developed a keen interest in photography, so much so that he had a very specific, and rather luxurious, item on his Christmas wish list this year. However, as Meghan playfully admitted, his desired present was one he wouldn’t be receiving, at least not yet.

During a candid Q&A session on November 15 in Montecito, California, following a screening of Netflix’s poignant short film The After, the Duchess, 42, opened up about Archie’s burgeoning passion. She explained that her son’s artistic curiosity was sparked by renowned photographer Misan Harriman, who has notably captured intimate portraits of the Duke and Duchess themselves. Harriman’s professional tools clearly left a lasting impression on young Archie, who, according to Meghan, desired “the same camera that photographer Misan Harriman used to take the Duke and Duchess’ portraits.”

Meghan recounted the exchange with a mix of maternal pride and amusement. “The inspiration runs deep,” she reportedly stated. “Our 4-year-old — 4-and-a-half-year-old son — he would say, ‘No, I’m not 4. I’m 4 and a half.’ Misan was showing him how to do photography the last time he was with us, and I bought Archie a camera, and he said, ‘But it’s not a Leica like Misan.’” The specificity of Archie’s request, identifying a high-end camera brand like Leica at such a young age, highlights both Harriman’s influence and Archie’s perceptive nature. It also offers a humorous glimpse into the world of a child exposed to sophisticated art forms and the tools that create them.

In response to her son’s discerning taste and ambitious Christmas wish, the mother of two delivered a truly relatable and humorous quip that resonated with many parents. “You are not getting a Leica! Not even for Christmas.” Her playful but firm stance underscored the practical realities of gifting such an expensive and professional piece of equipment to a preschooler. She then light-heartedly directed her attention to Misan Harriman, who was also present at the event, and joked, “So, thank you for the inspiration across the board.” This exchange not only brought laughter to the audience but also painted a picture of a down-to-earth family navigating the often-extravagant desires of a young child.

Prince Archie’s newfound passion for photography also carries a fascinating historical echo within the royal family. In addition to Archie, Meghan shares daughter Princess Lilibet with her husband, Prince Harry. The young prince shares this surprising love of photography with his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022 after an incredible 70-year reign as England’s longest-serving monarch. The Queen was famously an avid photographer, and she was often seen holding her own Leica camera throughout her extensive public life. This intergenerational connection to a specific brand and a shared hobby adds a poignant layer to Archie’s story, suggesting a continuity of interests within the royal lineage, even as the Sussexes forge their own path outside traditional royal duties. The Queen’s Leica captured countless moments of her personal and public life, documenting history through her own lens, much like Misan Harriman has done for Archie’s parents.

The Queen’s photographic pursuits were more than just a hobby; they were a way for her to connect with the world around her, capturing candid moments and offering a personal perspective on her extraordinary life. For Archie to show an interest in the very same artistic medium and even the same brand of camera, albeit at a significantly younger age, creates a charming parallel. It highlights how passions can transcend generations and how family influences, even those from beloved figures like the Queen, can subtly shape the interests of younger members. While Archie may not yet fully grasp the historical significance of his great-grandmother’s photographic legacy, his budding interest suggests a shared creative inclination.

This isn’t the first time Archie’s Christmas wishes have made headlines or involved a beloved royal figure. Prior to the Queen’s passing, Prince Harry, 39, shared a heartwarming story during a 2021 appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, revealing a previous Christmas when his grandmother sent Archie a much-desired present. “My grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas, and Meg said a waffle maker,” the Duke explained. “She sent us a waffle maker for Archie. So, breakfast now, Meg makes up a beautiful organic mix in the waffle maker. … Archie wakes up in the morning and goes, ‘Waffle.'” This earlier anecdote underscored the Queen’s thoughtfulness and her dedication to making her great-grandchildren happy, even with simple, practical gifts. It also painted a picture of the Sussex family’s warm and relatable morning routines, filled with the simple joy of waffles.

The contrast between a waffle maker and a Leica camera offers a delightful evolution in Archie’s Christmas desires, perhaps reflecting his growing understanding of the world and his developing interests. From a comfort food appliance to a sophisticated photographic tool, these wishes show a child’s natural progression in curiosity and aspiration. Both stories, however, highlight the endearing bond between Archie and his great-grandmother, and later, the influence of creative figures like Misan Harriman, shaping his young mind.

As for their family holiday plans this year, Harry and Meghan will likely continue their tradition of enjoying the winter season with their children in the U.S. since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020. Their decision to move to America and embrace a more independent life has, as reported, caused considerable tension between Harry and his extended family, particularly his brother Prince William and father King Charles III. This separation from traditional royal holiday gatherings, such as those at Sandringham, marks a significant shift in their family’s Christmas observances. Instead, they curate their own festive traditions, prioritizing privacy and the unique experiences available in their Montecito home.

While they have not revealed their exact plans for Christmas, Harry and Meghan recently released their holiday card. Fans observed that, similar to last year’s card, it did not feature their children. This choice aligns with their expressed desire to protect Archie and Lilibet’s privacy, allowing them to grow up away from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies royal life. By selectively sharing glimpses of their family life, the couple maintains control over their children’s public image, fostering a more private upbringing. This decision, while perhaps disappointing to some eager fans, is a consistent reflection of their post-royal priorities and commitment to their children’s well-being. Their Christmases now are less about grand royal spectacle and more about intimate family moments, perhaps filled with the scent of organic waffles and the playful clicks of a child’s first camera, even if it’s not a Leica.

The journey of Prince Archie, from wishing for a waffle maker to aspiring to own a professional camera, reflects a childhood shaped by unique influences. His connection to Misan Harriman’s artistry and his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for photography underscores a fascinating blend of modern inspiration and historic legacy. As Meghan and Harry continue to carve out their own path in California, their holiday seasons, whether filled with humorous camera requests or cherished waffle breakfasts, remain a testament to their dedication to family, privacy, and fostering the individual curiosities of their children. The story of Archie’s Leica wish, though unfulfilled for now, is a delightful chapter in the unfolding narrative of this modern royal family.