Prince Archie’s 4th Birthday Coincides With King Charles Coronation
How Prince Archie celebrated turning four on the same day as King Charles's historic coronation ceremony.
Prince Archie Celebrates His Fourth Birthday on Coronation Day
May 6, 2023, marked a significant day in royal history for two important reasons. King Charles III was crowned as the British monarch in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey, while simultaneously, his grandson Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor celebrated his fourth birthday. The convergence of these two major events created a unique situation for the young prince and his family, as they navigated the complexities of royal duties and personal celebrations occurring on the same day.
Prince Archie, born on May 6, 2019, to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, turned four years old on this momentous occasion. The timing of the coronation, which was scheduled months in advance, coincided perfectly with the young prince’s birthday, presenting an interesting dynamic within the royal family regarding how they would balance attending one of the most significant royal ceremonies in decades with celebrating a child’s milestone birthday.
The Significance of May 6: A Day of Royal Milestones
The date May 6, 2023, held particular importance for the British monarchy and the Sussex family. King Charles III’s coronation was scheduled for this day, marking his official recognition as the reigning monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. The coronation ceremony, which took place approximately eight months after the queen’s passing, represented the continuation and renewal of the British monarchy.
For Prince Archie, May 6 was equally significant as his birthday arrived for the fourth consecutive year. Born in London at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, Archie has spent all his birthdays celebrated in California, where his family relocated in early 2020 when he was just six months old. This relocation meant that Archie’s formative years and birthday celebrations have all taken place in the United States, away from the traditional royal celebrations in the United Kingdom.
A Tale of Two Celebrations: Separation of Duties
The coinciding of these two significant events necessitated a practical arrangement within the royal family. Prince Harry, as a senior member of the royal family and grandson of King Charles III, was expected to attend the coronation ceremony in London. His presence at Westminster Abbey was important for supporting his father during this pivotal moment in royal history.
However, his wife Duchess Meghan Markle and their two children remained in California during the coronation. Rather than traveling to London for the ceremony, Meghan stayed home with Prince Archie and his younger sister Princess Lilibet, ensuring that the young prince could celebrate his birthday in the familiar surroundings of their Montecito home, surrounded by those closest to him.
A Low-Key Birthday Celebration at Home
According to sources close to the family, Prince Archie’s fourth birthday celebration was planned as a “low-key party at home.” This approach reflected the family’s preference for intimate, private celebrations rather than elaborate public events. The celebration included close family members and friends, creating a warm and personal atmosphere for the young prince’s special day.
Meghan Markle orchestrated the birthday celebration with support from her mother, Doria Ragland, who traveled to California to be present for the occasion. Having Doria’s presence provided additional support and familial warmth to the celebration. The gathering included friends and family members, creating an intimate setting where Archie could enjoy his birthday without the pressures of royal protocol or public attention.
Princess Lilibet, Archie’s younger sister born in June 2021, also participated in the birthday festivities. The presence of his little sister added to the family-oriented nature of the celebration, allowing the two siblings to enjoy this milestone moment together within their close-knit family unit.
The Birthday Gift: A Special Surprise From Montecito
One of the most touching aspects of Archie’s fourth birthday was the special gift he received from the community in Montecito. The owners of Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop, located in the same area where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside, surprised the young prince with a bicycle as a birthday gift.
Following the thoughtful gesture, Harry and Meghan sent a letter of gratitude on behalf of the entire family. The letter, signed by Harrison Colcord on their behalf, expressed sincere thanks for the generous gift. The message stated: “On behalf of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, please accept their sincere thanks for the thoughtful gift you sent to Prince Archie for his fourth birthday. The bike has brought much joy and is most appreciated by the family. They asked that I convey their gratitude at the lovely surprise.”
This gift demonstrated the thoughtfulness of their community and the positive relationships the Sussex family had developed in California. For young Archie, the bicycle represented not only a fun toy but also a connection to his local community in Montecito.
Parallels with Archie’s First Birthday Celebration
The approach to Archie’s fourth birthday echoed the family’s philosophy established during his first birthday celebration. For his first birthday in 2020, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan also opted for a low-key affair rather than a grand public celebration. The family later shared a behind-the-scenes photo in their Netflix series “Harry & Meghan,” which provided a glimpse into that intimate celebration.
In the photograph, a baby Archie could be seen wearing a birthday hat with colorful confetti surrounding him, while his grandmother Doria Ragland stood behind him. A birthday cake with a gold numeral “1” was visible in the foreground. This imagery conveyed the warmth and intimacy the family preferred for their personal celebrations, a tradition they continued into Archie’s fourth year.
California as the Setting for Royal Childhoods
Since relocating to California in early 2020, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have established California as the primary home where their children grow up and celebrate milestones. Despite Archie being born in London, all his birthday celebrations have occurred in California, reflecting the family’s decision to raise their children away from the intense scrutiny of the British royal court.
This choice represents a significant departure from traditional royal upbringing, where children of senior royals typically remained in the United Kingdom and participated in official court ceremonies and public appearances. By raising their children in California, Harry and Meghan prioritized privacy and a more conventional childhood experience, away from the formal protocols and public demands of traditional royal life.
Prince Harry’s Parenting Philosophy and family values
Prince Harry has been vocal about his approach to parenting and his commitment to creating a positive family environment for his children. During discussions about his memoir “Spare,” he reflected on his role as a father, emphasizing the importance of nurturing his children with love and affection while avoiding excessive hovering that might make them uncomfortable.
Harry expressed his deep sense of responsibility as a parent: “I as a father feel a huge responsibility to ensure that I don’t pass on any traumas or negative experiences I’ve had. And that’s work, that’s putting in the work, and daily, being conscious of my behavior, of my reactions to both of my kids.” This philosophy underscores the intentionality with which the family approaches celebrating milestones like birthdays, prioritizing emotional well-being and family connection over public spectacle.
The Coronation: A Historic Event on Archie’s Birthday
While Archie celebrated his fourth birthday in California, his grandfather King Charles III was being crowned as the British monarch in one of the most significant royal ceremonies in decades. The coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey was notably different from previous coronations, including Queen Elizabeth II’s elaborate 1953 ceremony, which lasted three hours and cost the equivalent of approximately $50 million in today’s currency.
King Charles III’s coronation was designed to be more streamlined and reflective of contemporary values. The ceremony retained the core religious elements and traditions of previous coronations while reducing overall costs, duration, and ceremonial pomp. The updated approach included fewer outfit changes for the king, a reduced ceremony length of approximately one hour, and the elimination of some of the more time-consuming and extravagant elements.
Balancing Royal Duty and Family Life
The simultaneous occurrence of the coronation and Archie’s birthday highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing public royal duties with private family life. Prince Harry’s decision to attend the coronation in London while his family remained in California reflected the complicated nature of maintaining relationships within the royal family while prioritizing his family’s well-being and preferences.
According to reports, Harry flew out of the United Kingdom approximately two hours after his father was crowned, returning to his family in California. This schedule underscores the effort made to honor both his responsibilities as a member of the royal family and his commitment to his children and his family’s personal celebrations.
The Sussex Family’s Approach to Privacy and Celebration
The Sussexes’ decision to keep Archie’s fourth birthday celebration low-key and private reflects their consistent approach to their children’s lives since stepping back from senior royal duties. The family has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting their children’s privacy and creating a relatively normal childhood experience, despite their prominent status.
By celebrating in California with close family and friends, away from media scrutiny and official protocols, Harry and Meghan prioritized creating meaningful, personal memories with their children. This approach extends beyond birthdays to their overall parenting philosophy, which emphasizes emotional connection, personal growth, and well-being over public appearances and formal ceremonies.
Looking Forward: Growing Up in California
Prince Archie’s fourth birthday, celebrated while his grandfather was crowned king in London, symbolizes the unique path the young prince’s life is taking. Unlike previous generations of royal children who grew up primarily in the United Kingdom surrounded by royal protocol, Archie is experiencing childhood in California, with celebrations marked by intimate family gatherings, community connections, and a focus on genuine relationships rather than formal ceremonies.
As Archie continues to grow, his formative years are being shaped by experiences in California, away from the intense public scrutiny that historically followed royal children. His birthday celebrations, marked by low-key family parties and thoughtful gifts from local community members, reflect a deliberate choice by his parents to provide him with a different kind of childhood than previous generations of royals have experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: On what date did Prince Archie turn four years old?
A: Prince Archie turned four years old on May 6, 2023, which was the same day as King Charles III’s coronation ceremony.
Q: Where did Prince Archie celebrate his fourth birthday?
A: Prince Archie celebrated his fourth birthday in California at his family’s home in Montecito, with a low-key party attended by close family and friends.
Q: Did Prince Harry attend the coronation?
A: Yes, Prince Harry attended King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in London, flying out approximately two hours after his father was crowned to return to his family in California.
Q: What special gift did Prince Archie receive for his fourth birthday?
A: Prince Archie received a bicycle as a birthday gift from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop in Montecito, California, which brought joy to the family.
Q: Who was present at Prince Archie’s birthday celebration?
A: Duchess Meghan, Prince Archie’s younger sister Princess Lilibet, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and close family friends participated in the birthday celebration.
Q: How does Prince Archie’s birthday celebration compare to previous royal children’s birthdays?
A: Unlike traditional royal celebrations, Archie’s birthdays are kept low-key and private, focusing on intimate family gatherings in California rather than formal public ceremonies.
