He isn't that tiny baby in a white shawl anymore. Honestly, the most jarring thing for people who haven't followed the Sussexes closely is just how much Prince Archie has grown up.
Born in the middle of a London media frenzy back in 2019, the eldest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is now a full-blown six-year-old. He’s navigating a world that’s half Montecito sunshine and half high-stakes royal legacy.
While his parents keep a tight lid on his daily life, 2026 has already brought a few surprisingly candid updates about what Meghan Markle's son now is actually doing. It’s a weird mix of normal kid stuff—like losing teeth—and very "royal" stuff, like being registered for elite boarding schools across the pond.
Life in Montecito and That Famous Red Hair
If you’ve seen the rare photos Meghan shares on her Instagram (she famously rejoined the platform on New Year's Day 2025), you know Archie is basically Harry’s mini-me. He’s got the signature flaming red hair.
But his life is pure California.
Basically, his days involve a lot of mud and animals. The family lives in that massive $14.65 million estate in Montecito, which isn't just a house; it’s an outdoor playground. They’ve got a chicken run (Archie's Chickinn), and neighbors like Victoria Jackson have mentioned Archie and his sister, Princess Lilibet, coming over to pet mini-pigs.
Meghan has described him as "energetic" and "chatty." She recently shared a story about him becoming a little fisherman. Apparently, over the summer, Archie caught two trout on a fishing trip. Meghan told friends she ended up salt-baking the fish with the kids. It’s a far cry from the stiff, formal palace dinners you might imagine for a prince.
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Major Milestones: Losing Teeth and Schooling
Last year, during a trip to New York, Meghan was visibly excited about a classic childhood rite of passage. She told an audience at the Time100 Summit that Archie was about to lose his first tooth.
"I just hope I'm back home in time for it!" she said.
Education is where things get a bit more "complicated royal." While he’s currently attending a local school in California where he reportedly brings freshly picked fruit for his classmates, the future looks more traditional. Reports from late 2025 suggest Prince Harry has actually registered Archie for Eton College.
Yes, the same Windsor boarding school Harry and William attended.
It’s a massive move. It suggests that while they love the American lifestyle, the Sussexes aren't ready to fully sever the British ties for the next generation. It’s also a security thing—Eton is basically a fortress for high-profile kids.
The Security Battle and a Possible UK Return
You’ve probably seen the headlines about Harry’s legal battles over police protection. It’s not just about him; it’s about the kids.
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As of January 2026, there’s a lot of chatter about Archie and Lilibet finally returning to the UK this summer. Harry is expected in Birmingham for an Invictus Games event in July, and word is he’s desperate for King Charles to actually spend time with his grandchildren.
The King hasn't seen Archie in person since the Platinum Jubilee back in 2022. That’s a long time in a six-year-old’s life.
Archie's "Prince" Title
It’s easy to forget that for the first few years of his life, he was just Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Now, he’s officially Prince Archie of Sussex.
The family even officially adopted "Sussex" as their surname for the kids. It was a move to unify their brand and their family identity, especially as they launch more projects under the Archewell umbrella. Speaking of which, the name Archewell itself comes from the Greek word arche, which means "source of action"—the same word that inspired Archie’s name.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume the kids are "hidden" because Harry and Meghan hate the limelight. It’s actually more about safety and control. When they do share, it’s intentional.
For instance, on Archie’s 6th birthday in May 2025, Meghan posted a photo of him looking out at the ocean. No face, just a silhouette. It drives the paparazzi crazy, but it keeps his life relatively normal. He gets to go to birthday parties and jump in bouncy castles without a dozen lenses in his face.
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Meghan even joked once that she’s the "bouncy castle mom" who encourages other parents to jump in with their kids.
What’s Next for the Young Prince?
Expect to see more "intentional" appearances. As Archie gets older, he’s starting to ask about his dad’s work. Harry mentioned that Archie is fascinated by the stories of the veterans at the Invictus Games.
We might see him at a public event sooner rather than later, especially if the security situation in the UK gets settled.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers:
- Watch the Summer 2026 Calendar: July is the big month. If the Invictus Games events in Birmingham happen, that's your best bet for a rare public appearance of the Sussex family together.
- Follow the "As Ever" Brand: Meghan's lifestyle ventures often include subtle nods or "blink-and-you'll-miss-it" cameos of the kids.
- Security Decisions are Key: Keep an eye on the UK High Court rulings regarding Harry's security. This is the "on/off" switch for whether Archie travels to London.
The reality of Meghan Markle's son now is that he’s a kid caught between two very different worlds. He’s a California boy who loves surfing and fishing, but he’s also sixth in line to the British throne. Balancing those two identities is going to be the story of his life as he moves toward his seventh birthday.