Queen shares sweet throwback photo of Sussex family in honor of great-grandson Archie's 2nd birthday

The Queen's relationship with the Sussexes is showcased in this adorable tribute

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Queen Elizabeth II delivery office in Windsor with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on April 20, 2016 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen shared a sweet throwback photo of her great-grandson Archie for his 2nd birthday as she showcased her close bond with the Sussex family.


The Queen has shared a special throwback photo in honor of her great-grandson Archie Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2nd birthday. Since Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior members of the Royal Family, Archie has spent both his birthdays in California. It’s understood the Queen has a special relationship with Meghan and Archie and loves family Zoom calls with him, though it has sadly been over a year since they last saw each other in person.

Despite the geographical distance between them, however, Archie is clearly in her thoughts as the Queen posted an adorable photo for his birthday. In it, Archie is wrapped up in a white baby blanket with an adorable matching hat, held by his beaming father Prince Harry. Duchess Meghan is standing beside Harry, her hand supportively resting on his arm.

The photo’s caption read simply: ‘Wishing Archie Mountbatten-Windsor a very happy 2nd birthday today. 🎈’

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor

(Image credit: Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

This beautiful photo was taken back in 2019, two days after Archie was born. Instead of opting for the traditional photograph taken outside the hospital, Harry and Meghan decided that the first pictures of their newborn son should be taken at Windsor Castle where they introduced him to the world. 

The Queen’s decision to post this particular snap on Archie’s birthday is not only a lovely reminder of his arrival, but also a heart-warming reflection of the enduring bond between Her Majesty and the Sussex family. 

This comes after rumors of a rift between the Royal Family and the Sussexes emerged in the aftermath of Harry and Meghan’s shocking tell-all Oprah interview, which aired earlier this year.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa

(Image credit: Photo by Toby Melville/Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

This saw the couple make a series of revelations, including Meghan’s shocking claim that an unnamed member of the Royal Family commented on Archie’s skin color before he was born. As might have been expected by royal fans, the Queen’s response to grandson Harry and Meghan’s interview was “careful and constructive”.

The official Buckingham Palace statement reiterated that: “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

The Queen's birthday photo choice reflects this sentiment, as do reports that Prince Harry saw her privately when he flew back to the UK to attend Prince Philip’s funeral last month. Harry officially missed the Queen's 95th birthday after returning to the US to reunite with pregnant Meghan and Archie. But according to Harper’s Bazaar, he met Her Majesty privately on at least two occasions whilst back in the UK.

“The love and respect he has for his grandmother will always be unwavering” a source also previously revealed to them. 

Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 18, 2019 in Windsor

(Image credit: Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

This is something Prince Harry also declared during his and Meghan’s interview with Oprah. When asked whether the Queen was “blindsided” by their decision to step back, he replied: "No, I would never blindside my grandmother, I have too much respect for her."

The respect and love between the Queen and the Sussex family comes through brilliantly in her choice of birthday photo for Archie.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!