The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sparked confusion with the release of their 2025 Christmas card, after some viewers were left wondering whether something important was missing. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shared an annual festive card every year since their wedding in 2018, but this time they decided to do things differently. Instead of releasing a single photograph, the couple opted for a short video, which was published on the Archewell website earlier today.
The change in format appears to have thrown some people off. At first glance, the card seems to show only a still image of Meghan and Harry walking through the snow, framed by a green border. For a few social media users, that image looked like the entire card, prompting questions about why their children were not included this year.
Why some fans thought Archie and Lilibet were missing
Last year’s Christmas card had been especially notable because it featured Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet alongside their parents and the family dogs. It marked the first time the children had appeared in a public photograph in several years, making the release particularly meaningful for royal watchers.
This year’s card, however, was designed as a video montage highlighting moments from the Sussexes’ past year. Within the footage are several clips of Harry and Meghan carrying out humanitarian work, as well as carefully framed moments with Archie and Lilibet. As usual, the children are shown from behind, with their faces not visible, in line with the couple’s long-standing commitment to protecting their privacy.
One particularly heartwarming segment shows the family taking part in a surprise community outreach event. Archie and Lilibet join their parents as they help prepare meals for local families through Archewell’s partnership with Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. The accompanying message reads, “On behalf of the Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Archewell, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”
Despite this, a handful of people online missed the video entirely and assumed the snowy image was the only content. Some commented that the children had been deliberately left out, while others suggested the kids might appear only on private cards sent to friends and family. A few even admitted they preferred earlier cards that showed more of Archie and Lilibet, without realising the video already included them.
A second festive moment shared on Instagram
For fans hoping to see more of the Sussex family, Meghan offered an additional festive surprise on Instagram. The Duchess shared a previously unseen family photo showing herself, Harry, Archie and Lilibet standing together on a bridge surrounded by trees and lush greenery. In the image, Harry looks down affectionately at Archie, who has his arms wrapped around him, while Meghan and Lilibet stand just behind them, touching foreheads in a quiet, intimate moment.
Meghan captioned the photo simply, “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours,” giving followers a second glimpse into their celebrations. Together, the video card and the Instagram post made it clear that Archie and Lilibet were very much part of this year’s holiday message, even if the format initially caused a little confusion.
