Baby Archie is growing up! To mark their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor's second birthday today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a new image of their toddler on the website of their nonprofit, Archewell. The sepia toned photo features Archie photographed from behind, wearing an adorable knit sweater, little trousers, and sneakers (and a full head of curls!) as he holds a bouquet of balloons to celebrate his special day.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex surprised royal fans with the new photo after announcing plans for a charitable initiative in honor of Archie's birthday. On the Archewell website, the pair encouraged the public to make donations to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to help provide COVID-19 vaccine equity for underprivileged nations across the globe. The Sussexes partnered with Global Citizen to secure donation matches from the Seadream Family Foundation and Mastercard Impact Fund for up to $3 million.
"We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honor of Archie's birthday," read the Sussexes' open letter. "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. You raise funds for those who need it most, and continue to do so organically and selflessly. We remain incredibly grateful.
"We will not be able to truly recover until everyone, everywhere, has equal access to the vaccine. And with that intention, we are inviting you to contribute whatever you can—if you have the means to do so—to bring vaccines to families in the world's most vulnerable places."
Concluding their letter, the Sussexes wrote, "We cannot think of a more resonant way to honor our son's birthday. If we all show up, with compassion for those we both know and don't know, we can have a profound impact. Even a small contribution can have a ripple effect. Together, we can uplift, protect, and care for one another."
From: Harper's BAZAAR US
