Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release adorable family Christmas card - as fans swoon over son Archie's red hair

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Christmas card has been released to mark their first Christmas in the United States.
• The Sussexes decided to do things differently with the latest snap as some fans are left divided over their choice of image.
• In other royal news (opens in new tab), The Queen gives up control of major royal duty and hands it over to Prince Charles (opens in new tab)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released their first Christmas card (opens in new tab) from the US and it's left fans wanting to see more of son Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to do things differently this year - it's their first Christmas in the United States where they have set up home in California - so the couple have given fans a glimpse of their new family life.

The pair, who quit the royal family (opens in new tab) back in April, are pictured outside a festive play house in the garden with 18-month-old son Archie and their pet dogs Pula and Guy -  and shows a bigger glimpse that Archie's red hair is just like his dad's.

But instead of using a hi-res photograph, they Sussexes opted for a painted-style piece.

READ MORE: Sophie Wessex Christmas card photo is here ahead of the festive celebrations (opens in new tab)

The card is a drawing of an image taken by Meghan's mother Doria, in the garden of their home in Montecito, California.

And the card reads, 'Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.' 

It's understood Archie had selected the ornaments on the Christmas tree and plan to replant the tree after the holidays.

The special seasons greetings from the Sussexes was uploaded to Twitter by the Mayhew animal charity, for whom Meghan is a patron for.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launch new podcast - and the first episode is out this month (opens in new tab)

The card is much different to the one they sent out last year.

The charity captioned the latest greetings, "We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas."

Inside the card, Meghan wrote, "This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind. From a local California organisation that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our UK patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honoured their work on behalf of all of us."

A spokesman for the couple added, "The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by the Duchess's mother. The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays."

Their Christmas card comes a week after brother Prince William and wife Kate released their official royal family Christmas card photo (opens in new tab).

Fans are delighted with the fresh glimpse of the Sussexes, with one fan having commented, "This is just so beautiful. Thank you for all you do and also Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan and Archie painting is so uplifting. The dogs are just fantastic." Another fan noted, "King Archie is has red hair like is daddy" and another Twitter user added, "Aww Archie has hair now."

But some fans have been left divided over the painted choice.

One critic wrote, "Why are people acting as if it’s a real photo? Looks like a cartoon or paint by number kit. Strange." As some fans felt disappointed that it wasn't a true clear photograph. Another unhappy user wrote, "Ridiculous card. They have to be different. Can't see Archie properly because it's a painted image. This was their plan." 

But another fan defended the former royals by adding, "I am glad that you are not able to see Archie's face- why give the haters what they want. It is a beautiful festive card and they look very happy."