Prince Archie Turns 5: Inside His Life in California Where He Helps to Pick Oranges & Learns to Cook

  • Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned five.
  • The royal family did not acknowledge Archie’s birthday but he reportedly celebrated it with his parents, sister, and grandmother in the US.
  • Archie has a joyful upbringing in California, where he has fun with his parents, cooking, picking oranges, and playing in the snow.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in Windsor, England, on May 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in Windsor, England, on May 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, got married on May 19, 2018. The couple have two kids, Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born in May 2019, and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born in June 2021.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex view a gift for their son Archie as they attend the WellChild awards in London, England, on October 15, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex view a gift for their son Archie as they attend the WellChild awards in London, England, on October 15, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Harry and Meghan’s first child, Archie, was born in the early morning of May 6, 2019, weighing 7lbs., 3oz. During Meghan’s labor at the Portland Hospital, Harry shared that he used the laughing gas intended for Meghan to ease his own nerves.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in Windsor, England,  on May 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in Windsor, England, on May 8, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Additionally, the couple’s bodyguards arranged for a takeaway meal from Nando’s. They also listened to music by German artist Deva Premal. The artist transformed Sanskrit mantras into melodies, throughout the delivery process.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on stage during The Fashion Awards in London, England, on December 10, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on stage during The Fashion Awards in London, England, on December 10, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

As Meghan’s contractions intensified, she opted to labor in a bathtub and received an epidural for pain relief. Harry recounted holding Meghan Markle’s hand as she pushed. He described the birth of their son as complicated, with his head being described as tangled.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex laughs as she holds Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex laughs as she holds Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Still, when Archie was born, the Duchess and her husband were excited to become parents. They also thanked the public for sharing in their excitement. In the end, Harry said his son’s birth was “the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Harry’s friend, Nachos Figueras, a professional polo player, also shared his views on the Duke as a father. Nachos said Harry seemed extremely happy after welcoming Archie. “I’m very happy and excited for him,” he added.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match, in Wokingham, England, on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match, in Wokingham, England, on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Nachos also described his friend as a person who adores kids. “I’ve seen him interact with children for a very long time in all these things that we do in Africa so I’m not surprised he’s an amazing father,” revealed Nachos.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex feeds Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex feeds Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

When Archie was only three weeks old, Nachos shared his views. He speculated that the little boy would become a polo player like his dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. “I would love for him to do it,” gushed Nachos.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex playing with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex playing with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Archie, who has ginger curls identical to his dad’s, is growing up with the love and care of his amazing parents. When he was three, he asked his mom to listen to his heartbeat on a wooden toy stethoscope. Meghan would play along, listening to the thumping of his chest to the giggles and satisfaction of Archie.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex holds Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on a plane ride from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex holds Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on a plane ride from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Now, Archie has turned five and most of his extended family is in the UK while he, his sister, and his parents reside in the US. Due to this estrangement, even on his birthday, none of the royals acknowledged Archie’s special day on social media.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor attend the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match, in Wokingham, England, on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor attend the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match, in Wokingham, England, on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Reports indicate that this move is due to a change in routine. In September 2022, the protocol underwent revisions following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. With King Charles assuming the role of monarch, posts now focus solely on highlighting the activities of working members within the Windsor family.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales as Prince William, Duke of Cambridge talks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at the Commonwealth Day service in London on March 11, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales as Prince William, Duke of Cambridge talks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at the Commonwealth Day service in London on March 11, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Hence, Archie was not wished a happy birthday on social media because his parents are no longer working members of the royal family.

However, it’s been reported that Archie enjoyed a quiet and intimate celebration at his family home. He was joined by his loving parents, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, and his grandmother, Doria Ragland.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Doria Ragland, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex celebrate Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's birthday at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Doria Ragland, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex celebrate Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor’s birthday at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Still, royal expert, Tom Quinn has claimed that King Charles III is desperate to have a relationship with Archie and Lilibet. Charles did not have an opportunity to bond with his grandson as his time in the UK was brief.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex laughs as she holds Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex laughs as she holds Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Harry and Meghan, in response to the royal rift, decided to step back from their official duties and relocate to the US when Archie was five months old.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Harry, who grew up in the UK, now refers to the US as home. This is where he and his family have settled down. Details of Archie’s upbringing alongside his younger sister Lilibet, who is two, were unveiled in Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary series “Harry & Meghan” in 2022.

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LM

Viewers witnessed Archie chasing seagulls at the beach, assisting his parents in picking oranges from the garden, and enjoying playtime with his cherished family dogs, Labrador Pula and Beagle Guy.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

It was previously disclosed that Archie attended pre-school and was expected to transition to full-time education upon turning six. With him now being five, there’s speculation that he may enroll in kindergarten in the upcoming autumn term.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex plays at the beach with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on a plane ride from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex plays at the beach with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on a plane ride from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

When he was in pre-school, his mom would pick him up and assess if he had a great day. One trip from school involved him eating a quesadilla as he looked forward to rolling down the window himself once they reached a huge hedge he loved for unknown reasons.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated May 17, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@AppleTV

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated May 17, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@AppleTV

Meghan also had a letter from her son’s teacher, informing her that he had a positive day at school. However, it mentioned that he didn’t eat his sandwich during lunchtime. Additionally, he had to change his shirt mid-morning because they had been playing at the water table.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated May 9, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated May 9, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Meghan teaches her son to be brave, reminds him to be polite, and to say please and thank you. During a car ride from home to school, Meghan handed her security team a new black backpack.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor playing at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor playing at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

At a stop sign along the way, she instructed them to give it to an unhoused man they encountered on the corner. These acts of kindness teach Archie that people are different, with some living in big houses, and small ones, and others between homes, but all deserving of kindness.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at the beach on a YouTube video dated May 9, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at the beach on a YouTube video dated May 9, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Archie and Lilibet’s life away from the spotlight involves the little things that give them opportunities to bond with their parents, such as feeding chickens, birthday celebrations with just their loved ones, and breakfast morning routines.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated December 16, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@MsMojo

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor bonding on a YouTube video dated December 16, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@MsMojo

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor enjoys leisurely strolls with his mom in their picturesque garden, where he also delights in playing with his water gun. He enchants his mom when he drums on his little drum set. Mother and son are also seen in a short clip enjoying the snow while warmly dressed.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex plays on the snow with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex plays on the snow with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Toddler Archie also dominates the kitchen. He is seen in a clip donning an apron, and standing on a secured stool to reach the countertop alongside Meghan’s niece, Ashleigh Hale. Together, they joyfully prepare dough for baking, as they share in the fun of creating something delicious together. The little boy is happy and enjoying his upbringing in the US.

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Ashleigh Hale baking on a YouTube video dated December 16, 2022. | Source: Youtube/@MsMojo

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Ashleigh Hale baking on a YouTube video dated December 16, 2022. | Source: Youtube/@MsMojo

Outdoors, Prince Harry isn’t left behind in fun and bonding moments. In the couple’s Netflix documentary, Archie assisted his father in picking oranges in their family garden at their home in California.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Meghan captured the endearing video showing Harry on higher ground picking oranges and then tossing one down to his son below. Archie, dressed in beige trousers, a white T-shirt, and a blue hat, enjoyed the sunny day outdoors in August 2020, shortly after the family’s relocation to the property.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

The family was having lots of fun and Meghan could be heard in the background asking if Harry was picking oranges and instructing Archie to put them in the basket. A wicker basket already rested on the ground, brimming with a plentiful harvest of citrus fruits.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor picking oranges at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

In another endearing scene from the Netflix series, Harry carried Archie up the garden steps. He pointed out the profusion of flowers blooming throughout their grounds. Their garden serves as a centerpiece of their private estate. It boasts of amenities such as a swimming pool, pond, and expansive play area for the children to enjoy.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex playing with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex playing with Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Harry has also shared tidbits about his conversations with Archie. During the 5th Invictus Games’ opening ceremony, he spoke about his son’s possible career aspirations.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with an Invictus Games baby grow for Archie as he officially launches the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 9, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with an Invictus Games baby grow for Archie as he officially launches the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 9, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Some days, Archie wanted to be an astronaut, while other days, he favored becoming a helicopter pilot. “Or Kwazii from Octonauts. If you’re laughing, then you’ve seen that,” added Harry, chuckling.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex holding Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex holding Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

However, Harry emphasized that he tells his son that regardless of his future career aspirations, what truly matters most is his character. He expressed that nothing would bring him and Meghan more pride than seeing Archie embody the admirable character traits those affiliated with the Invictus Games possess today.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor playing the piano at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor playing the piano at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Harry is currently in the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. However, his kids and wife remain in the US ahead of Harry’s brief stay in the country he grew up in.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at home from a YouTube video dated December 15, 2022 | Source: Youtube/@LMT

According to royal expert Tom, there was a palpable sense of relief at Kensington Palace upon confirmation that Meghan would not be accompanying her husband to the UK. Meghan and Harry will meet in Nigeria later, where they were invited for an official visit.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in Rabat, Morocco, on February 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in Rabat, Morocco, on February 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

As The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue raising their kids and engaging in their professional and leisure pursuits, they have persisted with their limited interaction with the royal family. Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet continue with their lives in California, seemingly happy and at peace.

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