Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make special request on Archewell’s website for Archie’s birthday

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have asked their fans to mark Archie's birthday with this sweet gesture

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have asked their fans to mark Archie's birthday with this sweet gesture
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a special request to their fans to mark their son's 2nd birthday—and no, it's not a plea for toddler toys. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invited the public to mark their son's 2nd birthday by sending donations to the coronavirus relief effort. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to their Archewell website on Thursday to ask their followers to give just $5 to the international Covid vaccine fund so that people in developing countries can access the life-saving shot. 

"Join us in advocating for vaccine equity on Archie's birthday," the couple wrote in the digital message, which was posted against a heartwarming background photo of their son holding a bouquet of balloons. 

"For a donation of just $5, you can cover the cost of a dose for someone in need," they continued. The philanthropic duo has secured 'matching support' from several organizations, meaning a $5 will be quadrupled into $20. This will pay for four doses—four jabs which could potentially be the difference between life and death. "Every single dollar counts—not only will it help save lives but it will help save families and communities." 

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on May 2, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World will be broadcast on May 8, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE)

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

(Image credit: Getty)

Harry and Meghan also took the opportunity to thank their followers for their ongoing 'warmth' over the past two years, a support that has left them feeling 'deeply touched.' 

"Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of service—all through the goodness of your hearts," they added. "You raise funds for those who need it most, and continue to do so organically and selflessly. We remain incredibly grateful." 

Meghan and Harry have teamed up with Global Citizen and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to pursue their mission to achieve worldwide vaccine equity. Donations will go directly to Gavi, an organization that works towards immunizing people in developing nations. Of course, there is no minimum amount one can give—all donations, big or small, are welcome. 

This isn't the first time the Duke and Duchess have spoken out about the importance of Covid-19 vaccines. Just last week, Prince Harry was compared to Princess Diana following his Vax Live appearance, after delivering a powerful speech on vaccine equity at the fundraiser concert. The highly-anticipated Los Angeles event, which will air on May 8, will treat audiences to beloved musical performances from stars like Jennifer Lopex and Eddie Vedder. The aim of the concert is to raise funds for vaccine equality and to demand world leaders to step up to ensure vaccines are accessible to all. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.