Prince Harry, Meghan share Christmas card

The card, which reads "Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", was shared by the London-based The Mayhew Animal Home, of which the Duchess of Sussex is a Royal Patron. on their Instagram account on Thursday. 

It features a photo of the Sussexes with Archie outside a miniature house and surrounded by their two dogs. There is also a small Christmas tree with a red bow. 

"This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind," the Duchess is quoted as saying in the card. 

"From a local California organisation that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our UK patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honoured their work on behalf of all of us," she added. 

This is the first time that Archie has come into the public eye since his first birthday in May. 

"The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess's mother," CNN quoted a family spokesperson as saying. 

"The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays," the spokesperson added. 

The Sussexes are presently based in Los Angeles after having stepped back as senior royals in March. 

For their last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan joined the Queen and other senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9. 

They have since begun their new life of personal independence in the US, pursuing charity projects. 

Despite the raging Covid-19 pandemic, the Sussexes delivered meals to residents of Los Angeles through Project Angel Food, which helps feed the chronically ill.