In a rare public discussion, Meghan Markle has opened up about her experiences as a mother to Archie and Lilibet. During an interview featured in various reputable outlets, including People Magazine and The Cut, Meghan discussed the values she and Prince Harry are instilling in their children, and how their family life has evolved since stepping back from official royal duties.

The Duchess of Sussex provided insights into her approach to parenting, the challenges of maintaining privacy, and the joys she finds in raising her young family in California.

Life After the Royal Transition

Since Meghan and Harry officially stepped back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in early 2020—a move confirmed by BBC News and documented in the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021—the couple has relocated to Montecito, California.

Meghan explained that this shift has allowed their family more personal autonomy. “It’s really about prioritizing well-being and authenticity,” she stated in her The Cut interview. The Sussexes have emphasized that their decision was made in the interest of creating a healthier environment for their children, outside of constant media exposure.

Protecting Archie and Lilibet’s Privacy

One of the key takeaways from Meghan’s interview was her strong stance on privacy for her children. Meghan and Harry have consistently voiced their intention to shield Archie and Lilibet from unnecessary public scrutiny.

As shared through their nonprofit Archewell’s public communications and interviews with NPR and The Guardian, the couple hopes to raise their children with a sense of normalcy. Meghan said, “We want them to grow up knowing they are loved and supported, but not defined by the media.”

This protective approach has led to limited public appearances for their children. Photos released of Archie and Lilibet have generally been shared through official channels and often on significant occasions, such as birthdays or holidays.

Raising Archie: Curiosity and Character

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born in May 2019, has occasionally been mentioned in public remarks and interviews. According to People Magazine, Meghan has described her son as curious and observant. In her conversation with The Cut, she mentioned his interest in books and learning.

Prince Harry, during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS), spoke warmly of Archie’s early language development and interests. He shared that Archie’s first word was “crocodile” and praised his son’s early personality as “cheeky and full of spirit.”

Lilibet’s Birth and Family Milestones

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born in June 2021. Her name honors both Queen Elizabeth II (whose childhood nickname was “Lilibet”) and Princess Diana. The couple announced her birth via their Archewell website and shared their gratitude publicly.

Though the Sussexes have largely kept details about Lilibet private, her first birthday was marked by a small celebration in the UK, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. A photograph from the event was released by close family friend and photographer Misan Harriman, as noted by BBC News.

In 2023, during a virtual event for the Archewell Foundation, Meghan briefly referenced how much her daughter has grown, describing her as “energetic and joyful.” No detailed developmental information has been made public, respecting the family’s continued commitment to privacy.

Values and Parenting Style

Throughout various public appearances and interviews, Meghan has spoken about the principles she and Harry want to instill in their children. Kindness, empathy, and independence are central to their parenting philosophy.

In a 2020 special edition of TIME100 Talks, Meghan explained, “Part of our commitment as parents is to raise our kids with an understanding of compassion and service.”

Additionally, the couple’s public advocacy work through the Archewell Foundation—focused on mental health, online safety, and community support—mirrors the environment they aim to create at home. Their parenting is deeply influenced by their humanitarian values.

Motherhood as a Journey of Growth

For Meghan, motherhood has been described as both transformative and grounding. In interviews and public remarks, including the aforementioned People and The Cut features, she has called parenting a journey that “makes you more aware of the world and your place in it.”

Her reflections include a desire to raise children who are not only emotionally aware but who feel empowered to speak up. This echoes her 2021 NPR interview in which she stated, “Every choice I make is to build a better world for them.”

A Life Centered on Family and Purpose

Today, the Sussex family continues to prioritize personal well-being, meaningful work, and time together. Meghan and Harry have taken steps to control their narrative through partnerships like their Netflix series and Spotify content (now concluded), and their Archewell Foundation’s ongoing initiatives.

They continue to use their platform to raise awareness on social justice, mental health, and global well-being—issues they hope their children will one day understand and champion.

While public glimpses into the lives of Archie and Lilibet are rare, the values and intentions expressed by Meghan and Harry offer a clear picture: they are focused on building a safe, grounded, and loving environment in which their children can thrive.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s public remarks offer insight into the private world of the Sussex family, grounded in verified sources and consistent messaging. Through a mix of public engagements and careful privacy choices, she and Prince Harry are shaping a life for Archie and Lilibet that emphasizes personal growth, kindness, and autonomy.

As parents, their priority remains giving their children the space to be themselves—free from the pressures of media attention and public expectation. Their story reflects not only a modern approach to family life but also a broader commitment to social values they hope to pass on to the next generation.