2nd Private Card: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's secret Christmas card they don't want world to see

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have delighted fans by showing a rare glimpse of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in their 2024 Christmas card.

But it seems the card featuring the sweet snap of the two children running into their parents' arms isn't the only one they are sending this year. The Sussexes are known to be extremely protective of their children's privacy and have rarely put them in the limelight. 

In fact, in the card, only the backs of the youngsters can be seen as three-year-old Lilibet runs into Harry's arms while Archie, now five, is embraced by Meghan. And it has emerged that the card released by the couple is actually only intended for professional use by the couple and their team.

Harry and Meghan are also sending a separate card to their close friends and family, which may feature a different snap of the family - but it will remain private. Meanwhile, Archie and Lilibet aren't the only members of Harry and Meghan's family who appear in the photo.

The family's three dogs Guy, Pula and Mamma Mia are also in the image, which appears to have been snapped in a park. The picture makes up one of six featured in the card, which was sent by email.

The message reads: "On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year." The images are thought to reflect the couple’s year, with one picture showing Meghan embracing a young girl while in another Harry puts his arm around his wife.

Another picture shows the couple laughing while sitting in a row of people, the fifth is at an outdoor event with the Sussexes wearing sunglasses and smiling, and in the final picture, the duke clasps hands with a man lying in a bed.

Despite quitting as working royals almost five years ago, the Sussexes have continued the tradition of sharing the picture used on their Christmas card like other members of the Firm. Last year's card featured a snap of the couple beaming at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf with Harry looking smart in a black shirt and jacket combination and Meghan wearing an elegant dark green strapless gown.

The seasonal card is always eagerly anticipated but they have not always opted to show their children on the design. Earlier this year a friend of the Sussexes told People how Harry wanted to protect his children by keeping them out of the limelight. They said: "Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.

"He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm." The friend added: "Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself," referring to the death of Princess Diana.