We can’t get enough! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son Archie‘s first years of life have definitely been eventful for the new parents.
Following his birth in 2019, it didn’t take long for the drama to begin. “Like most first-time moms, [Meghan’s] extremely protective of Archie and has very strict rules for guests,” a royal source exclusively told In Touch shortly after Archie was born. “No one can touch Archie unless they’ve washed their hands.”
At Archie’s 8-month milestone, Meghan and Harry announced they were “stepping back” as senior members of the royal family to move to North America in the best interest of their son. “This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter,” they shared on Instagram at the time.
“They’d be able to give Archie a more normal upbringing, away from the media circus in London, which is a priority for the royal couple,” a source told Closer in January 2020. “Archie is their No. 1 priority.”
Although Archie’s first year of life was far from dull, the happy couple loved every second they spent with their son. “When Harry goes off to do his own thing, Archie will squeal with excitement when he sees him again,” a source exclusively told Life & Style in October 2019. “He’s a real daddy’s boy, but you can tell he also loves his mom.”
Thankfully, the little guy seems like such a good baby. “Archie rarely cries. He sleeps throughout the night,” another insider told Life & Style in September of that year. “He’s such a well-behaved baby, and evidently, his parents love that.”
The new mom often gushes “there’s nothing that makes her happier than seeing Archie smile,” a third source exclusively dished. “She feels blessed to have such a happy, calm baby. Motherhood is the best thing that’s ever happened to Meghan. That, and marrying Harry.”
It was soon revealed, though, that the tiny tot would share the spotlight. On Valentine’s Day 2021, a spokesperson for the couple announced they were expecting baby No. 2 after suffering a miscarriage last year.
“Baby news! ‘We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,'” author Omid Scobie confirmed on the same day. “‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.'” During their CBS interview in March 2021, the former royals revealed they would be having a baby girl.
On June 4, the couple welcomed Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. A source at the time told In Touch shortly after Lili joined the family that Archie had “developed a special bond with his little sister.” On top of that, “Lili” quickly one of Archie’s new “favorite words” to say.
Scroll below to see the cutest photos of Archie from newborn to big brother to Lili.