Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently celebrated their daughter Princess Lilibet Diana’s fourth birthday with a family trip to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The visit was marked by cheerful family moments, beloved Disney characters, and a special birthday cake—all documented in a series of photos shared on social media.
This rare glimpse into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private family life quickly captured the attention of online audiences. The images shared offer a look at how the Sussexes chose to commemorate an important milestone for their daughter in a joyful and iconic setting.
A Magical Disneyland Birthday Celebration
The Sussex family’s visit to Disneyland occurred in early June 2025 to mark Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday, which falls on June 4. Disneyland Resort is one of the most visited family theme parks in the world and is known for providing VIP and guided experiences for high-profile visitors, including celebrities and public figures (source: Disneyland VIP Services).
In the photos shared publicly via verified social media accounts, Meghan Markle is seen enjoying rides alongside Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family wore themed Disney attire, including Minnie Mouse ears, and appeared to explore various sections of the park—from Fantasyland to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
One photo showed Prince Harry and Meghan riding Space Mountain, while another featured young Lilibet interacting with a Disney cast member dressed as Elsa from Frozen, one of the park’s most popular characters.
The images were accompanied by a cheerful caption expressing gratitude to Disneyland staff for creating what Meghan described as “two days of pure joy.” The moment highlighted the Sussexes’ appreciation for family experiences and their continued focus on creating meaningful memories with their children.
Privacy and Family Safety
While sharing photos from their Disneyland visit, Prince Harry and Meghan were careful to respect the privacy of their children. In all images shared publicly, the faces of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were either obscured or not shown in full. This practice is consistent with the couple’s long-standing commitment to protecting their children from excessive media exposure.
Since stepping back from formal royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have emphasized the importance of raising their children in a safe, private, and loving environment. In interviews and documentaries, including their 2022 Netflix series Harry & Meghan, the couple has explained their desire to maintain a boundary between their public advocacy and private family life (source: Netflix).
A Special Name with Royal Significance
Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California. Her name carries deep royal significance, combining the childhood nickname of her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, “Lilibet,” with the name of her grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced her birth through their foundation, Archewell, and expressed gratitude for the well wishes they received globally (source: Archewell Foundation).
As of March 2023, Lilibet has officially held the title Princess Lilibet of Sussex, following the accession of King Charles III to the throne. This update was in line with the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, which entitles the grandchildren of the sovereign through the male line to use royal titles (source: The Royal Family and The London Gazette).
Rare Family Moments Shared Online
In addition to the Disneyland trip, Meghan also shared previously unseen footage to mark Lilibet’s birthday. One notable video included a clip of the Duchess during her pregnancy, dancing next to a hospital bed. Prince Harry briefly appeared in the clip, joining in the moment in a playful and affectionate manner. The video was accompanied by a message reflecting on the couple’s journey as parents and the anticipation leading up to their daughter’s birth.
Meghan also posted a heartfelt message on Instagram celebrating Lilibet’s birthday. Along with the message were several family photos showing Meghan holding Lilibet as a baby in 2021, cuddling with her daughter on a boat, and Harry spending time with Lilibet in quieter, tender moments. These images provided fans a rare and respectful look at the Sussex family’s home life.
The caption read: “Daddy’s little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday, Lili!”
Maintaining a Balance Between Public Roles and Personal Life
Since relocating to the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have balanced their roles as public figures and advocates with their responsibilities as parents. They have continued philanthropic work through the Archewell Foundation, which supports initiatives focused on mental health, gender equality, and online safety.
They have also pursued media partnerships to tell stories of social impact and resilience. This includes projects with Netflix and Spotify, such as the Archetypes podcast, which explores stereotypes affecting women (source: Spotify – Archetypes).
Their family life, however, remains largely private. The couple has been selective in sharing details about their children, choosing to release family photos on special occasions or through official statements rather than relying on traditional media outlets. Their approach reflects a conscious effort to protect their children from media intrusion and maintain control over their public narrative.
Disney Parks and VIP Experiences
For high-profile visitors, Disneyland Resort offers a range of exclusive experiences through VIP Tours. These tours include personalized itineraries, access to multiple attractions with minimal wait time, and backstage entry points designed to provide privacy and convenience (source: Disney VIP Tour Services).
While the Sussexes have not officially confirmed using such a service, these options are commonly used by celebrities and public figures seeking a comfortable and secure visit, especially when traveling with young children.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Disneyland to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday offered the public a heartwarming glimpse into their family life. By sharing select images and messages, the couple underscored the importance they place on creating joyful experiences for their children while maintaining their family’s privacy.
From meeting favorite Disney characters to riding classic attractions and enjoying birthday treats, the celebration showcased a blend of tradition and personal joy. It also highlighted how the Sussex family continues to prioritize togetherness and connection as they navigate life outside the royal institution.
Their approach to parenting and public life reflects a careful balance—celebrating important milestones while remaining grounded in values of respect, love, and privacy.
Verified Sources
- The Royal Family – Official Website
- The London Gazette
- Netflix – Harry & Meghan
- Archewell Foundation
- Spotify – Archetypes Podcast
- Disney VIP Tour Services
