MEGGY CHRISTMAS
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pose with Archie and their two dogs as they release their Christmas card
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have released their long-awaited Christmas card, showing the pair posing with son Archie and two dogs.
The Sussexes posed in front of a Wendy house in what could be their sprawling garden in their Montecito mansion, with a Christmas tree next to them.
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The drawing shows Prince Harry, 36, holding Archie, 18-months-old, while a casually-dressed Meghan sits crossed-legged on the floor.
The pair released the card via charity Mayhew's , of which they are a patron, which says 'Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year'.
Meghan, 39, said: "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 U.K. 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.”
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The pair confirmed Meghan's mum, Doria Ragland, was behind the lens and snapped the family photo, who Harry and Meghan are thought to be spending Christmas with.
A spokesperson for the family said: "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."
The charity said they were "honoured to have the Duchess as our Patron", a position she's held since last year.
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Meghan is known to love animals, particularly her dogs, black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy, who appear in the Christmas card.
Meghan and Harry's card comes a week after William and Kate shared a photo with their three children.
Prince Charles and Camilla also revealed their Christmas photo last week - which ishas become an annual festive tradition among the senior royals.
The Sussexes followed suit and released a traditional snap last year, with a black-and-white photo showing Archie peering adorably at the camera.
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In 2018 they shared another monochrome photo, from their wedding, which they used as their Christmas card.
This year's offering is the first since they stepped back as senior royals and moved across the pond, and it's the first time a photo of Archie has been released since his birthday in May.
After sharing the card, The Mayhew praised Meghan's work with them, saying: "We work extremely hard to help animals and their owners all across London, and we know that our cause is close to the Duchess’s heart.
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"The Patronage has put more of a spotlight on these animal welfare issues and increased public awareness and understanding; and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the Duchess to help even more animals and people."
Caroline Yates, Mayhew CEO, said: “We are delighted to have the Duchess of Sussex as our Patron, and she has shone a huge light on our community-based animal welfare work over the last two years.
"We were especially honoured to recently receive a personal donation from the Duke and Duchess, which will enable us to help even more cats, dogs and pet owners in need over this tough winter period.”
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Meghan also snagged her first post-Royal gig this year, providing the voiceover for a Disney Plus documentary about elephants.
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The Suits actress scored the gig after her husband was filmed appearing to tout his wife for voiceover work with Bob Iger, the then Disney chief, at the Lion King premiere.
It comes after Meghan reportedly "angered the Palace" by getting Oprah Winfrey to flog her coffee investment on Instagram, insiders have claimed.
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