To mark her daughter Princess Lilibet Diana’s 4th birthday, Meghan Markle shared two heartfelt photographs on social media that not only celebrated the milestone but also subtly honored a cherished family tradition. Observant followers were quick to note a meaningful connection between Lilibet and her older brother, Prince Archie.
The Duchess of Sussex’s tribute, posted on June 4, 2025, offered a rare glimpse into her family’s personal life, capturing intimate mother-daughter moments while highlighting their continued connection to royal heritage and British craftsmanship.
A Special Tribute on Lilibet’s Fourth Birthday
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, celebrated her daughter’s birthday with a post featuring two previously unseen images. One image showed Meghan and Lilibet cuddled together on a boat — a peaceful and affectionate moment — while the other, more nostalgic, showed a younger Lilibet as an infant wrapped in a delicately crafted merino wool baby shawl.
According to People Magazine, the blanket in question is the same one used by Prince Archie during his public debut in May 2019, just two days after his birth. The shawl, produced by the historic British knitwear company G.H. Hurt & Son, has long been associated with the royal family and represents a blend of modern parenting and traditional values.
The Sentimental Shawl Connecting Siblings
Founded in Nottingham, England, G.H. Hurt & Son has been supplying handcrafted knitwear for over a century. The brand is particularly known for its baby shawls, many of which have been used by the British royal family since 1948 — beginning with Queen Elizabeth II’s first child, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) (source: G.H. Hurt & Son).
The shawl Lilibet was wrapped in is believed to be the Ivory White Leaves and Flowers Baby Shawl, the same design used for Prince Archie’s debut at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall in May 2019. At the time, the company expressed pride in their continued relationship with royal customers.
In a statement to People, G.H. Hurt & Son’s director Richard Taylor noted the importance of having their products associated with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, calling it “a wonderful endorsement of British artisan craft.”
A Legacy of Royal Introductions
Meghan and Prince Harry introduced Prince Archie to the world during a private photo call at St. George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, instead of following the traditional practice of appearing outside the hospital shortly after birth. This break from precedent was widely discussed in media at the time and reflected the couple’s desire for a more private and controlled approach to family life.
The use of the same shawl for both children adds a personal touch to this story. It signals the family’s appreciation for tradition, even as they continue to chart their own path outside the framework of official royal duties.
The handcrafted shawl takes three days to produce and involves the skilled work of multiple artisans. It currently retails for approximately $312 and is made from 100% merino wool, prized for its softness and breathability — qualities appreciated by parents and babies alike.
A Growing Family Since 2021
Princess Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. Her arrival came more than a year after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in early 2020. The move allowed them to focus on their charitable endeavors, mental health advocacy, and digital content creation under the Archewell Foundation.
As noted on the couple’s official website, Lilibet was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname “Lilibet,” while her middle name, Diana, commemorates Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales (source: Archewell Foundation).
Reflecting on Archie’s Debut in 2019
Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6, 2019, at the Portland Hospital in London. His first appearance to the public took place two days later, in an intimate setting at Windsor Castle, where Meghan and Harry expressed joy and gratitude for their new roles as parents.
The baby shawl used during that appearance, also crafted by G.H. Hurt & Son, became a symbol of that special moment. The company expressed appreciation for the continued tradition, noting that many generations of the royal family have used their knitwear, including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and the Prince and Princess of Wales for their own children.
By choosing the same shawl for Lilibet’s baby photo shared in 2025, Meghan and Harry appear to reaffirm their connection to this royal tradition in a deeply personal way.
Celebrating the Small Details
Though the post focused on the joy of Lilibet’s milestone, the visual detail of the shawl resonated strongly with fans and royal observers alike, who noted the continuity between the siblings’ earliest public photos. It was a subtle but meaningful gesture that combined warmth, history, and sentiment.
Life in the U.S. and Continued Advocacy
Since settling in California, Meghan and Harry have prioritized raising their children away from the pressures of royal life. They have made occasional public appearances tied to their philanthropic efforts, including mental health campaigns, veterans’ programs, and initiatives promoting equity and digital literacy.
Meghan has also reentered the media space through content projects and public speaking. In 2025, she launched the podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, which features conversations with women leaders and entrepreneurs (source: Spotify).
The Sussexes continue to maintain a balance between privacy for their family and public work through their Archewell Foundation, focusing on service and compassionate community building.
Conclusion: A Quiet Tribute Rooted in Tradition
The birthday photos of Princess Lilibet shared by Meghan Markle offered more than just a visual celebration. The inclusion of the same baby shawl used for Archie’s debut in 2019 added a beautiful layer of continuity and emotional resonance.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped away from traditional royal roles, they continue to honor family traditions in ways that reflect both heritage and personal meaning. Through simple but powerful gestures—like the choice of a handmade British shawl—they remind us of the enduring power of storytelling, love, and connection across generations.
Verified Sources:
- People Magazine – Meghan Markle Shares Birthday Tribute
- G.H. Hurt & Son – Official Website
- Archewell Foundation
- BBC News – Royal Baby Announcements
- Spotify – Confessions of a Female Founder
