As Prince Archie celebrated his sixth birthday, Meghan Markle shared a beautiful new photograph of her son, taken against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
The image, posted on her Instagram account, shows Archie from behind, silhouetted as he gazes out over the horizon.
Initially believed to have been taken in California, where the Sussex family resides in an $11 million mansion in Montecito, it has since been revealed that the photograph was actually taken in Mexico, at the luxurious Cuixmala estate in Jalisco.
Where Was the Birthday Picture Taken?
Fans were initially confused about the location of the photo, especially with the Sussexes living in California.
However, it has been confirmed that the picture was taken at the exclusive Cuixmala estate.
This private resort, situated on the coast of Jalisco, offers breathtaking views of the sea and is known for its secluded and tranquil setting.
The villa where the family stayed, Casa La Playa, is located on a private beach and boasts panoramic sunset views.
The estate is part of a nature reserve, home to a variety of protected wildlife, including zebras and crocodiles, making it a perfect getaway for the royal family.
A Luxurious Resort with a Rich History
Cuixmala, which was developed in 1989 by the French-British financier Sir James Goldsmith, is a renowned private estate turned hotel.
After Sir James’s passing in 1997, the estate was managed by his daughter Alix Marcaccini, who later opened it to the public as a luxury retreat.
The estate, which spans over 30,000 acres, has hosted many famous guests over the years, including model Kate Moss and former political figures such as Ronald Reagan and Henry Kissinger.
The four-bedroom Casa La Playa villa is the largest on the property and comes with its own dedicated staff, including a cook, butler, and housekeepers.
With a starting price of $7,000 per night, the villa offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking an exclusive, serene retreat.
Archie’s Birthday and Family Life in the Spotlight
Meghan’s birthday post for Archie was filled with heartfelt sentiment.
She captioned the photo, “Our son. Our sun,” and thanked those who helped celebrate Archie’s special day.
“Thank you for all of the love, prayers, and warm wishes for our sweet boy,” Meghan wrote.
She also expressed gratitude to friends who attended Archie’s birthday party, adding, “Thank you for making his birthday so incredibly special.”
While the birthday celebrations took place far from the UK, where the rest of the royal family resides, they come at a time of continued tension between Prince Harry and his family.
The Duke of Sussex recently gave a bombshell interview to the BBC in which he spoke candidly about his strained relationship with his father, King Charles, and revealed that he doesn’t know how much longer his father has left.
The interview also touched on Harry’s ongoing struggles with security arrangements and his decision not to bring his family back to the UK for now.
Meghan and Harry’s Life with Their Children
Over the years, Meghan has shared glimpses of her family life on social media, often featuring her children, Archie and Lilibet.
The birthday photo of Archie was just one of many moments she has captured of her son.
Previous photos have shown Archie baking cookies with his sister Lili, picking roses from the family garden, and enjoying walks with Harry.
Despite these intimate moments, Meghan continues to be cautious about revealing too much of her children’s lives, especially their faces.
Archie’s Place in the Royal Family
Born on May 6, 2019, at the Portland Hospital in London, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is the son of Prince Harry and Meghan.
He was named after his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, and his middle name honors his family’s royal heritage.
Archie only became a prince following the death of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
As the sixth in line to the throne, Archie’s life has been one of public interest, and his family’s decision to step down from their royal duties and relocate to the United States when he was just 10 months old has only added to his global notoriety.
A Changing Dynamic in the Royal Family
Archie’s birthday comes at a time when the royal family is navigating complex family dynamics.
Prince Harry’s recent comments about his strained relationship with his family highlight the ongoing challenges between him and his relatives.
While Meghan and Harry continue to carve out a life for themselves in California, their ties to the royal family remain under intense scrutiny.
Nevertheless, Meghan’s heartfelt birthday message for Archie shows that the family remains focused on celebrating the milestones and joys of life, regardless of the external pressures they face.