Meghan Markle offers heartwarming glimpses into her family life, revealing unique traditions like the ‘rose and thorn’ dinner ritual, hands-on lessons in gardening for appreciation, and joyful holiday plans that highlight her dedication to raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with strong values.
In a series of recent intimate conversations, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has pulled back the curtain on her family life in Montecito, California, revealing charming traditions and deeply held values she and Prince Harry are instilling in their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. These candid insights offer a rare look into how the royal couple navigates parenting away from the glare of royal duties, focusing on connection, appreciation, and strong personalities.
The ‘Rose and Thorn’ Evening Tradition
During a recent livestream event at Godmothers Bookstore, Meghan shared a heartwarming evening ritual she shares with her children, Archie, 6, and Lili, 4. At the dinner table, the family participates in the “rose and thorn” exercise, where each person shares the best part of their day (the “rose”) and something that “maybe didn’t feel so good” (the “thorn”).
This tradition is a thoughtful way to encourage open conversation, particularly as children grow and might otherwise offer only “yes or no” answers. Meghan noted that her daughter, Princess Lilibet, who she describes as having a “very strong personality,” often sidesteps the “thorn” by declaring, “My day was just a blast!” This cheerful evasion underscores Lili’s upbeat nature and hints at the joyful atmosphere within the Sussex household, as reported by People.
Beyond dinner table discussions, Meghan also shared other glimpses of their home routine. She makes music the “first thing I do when I wake up in the morning,” setting a positive tone for the day. Additionally, a “healing blanket” serves as a comforting item for Archie or Lili when they are not feeling well, showcasing a nurturing approach to their children’s emotional and physical well-being.
Cultivating Values Through Gardening and Everyday Life
In another insightful podcast appearance on “Aspire with Emma G Rede,” Duchess Meghan delved into how she teaches Archie and Lilibet about immense privilege and the value of hard work. She highlighted gardening as a key tool for instilling these lessons.
“There’s a cost and a price for things, and I think that’s key for children to understand, especially children who are very lucky to have a home, that has privilege,” Meghan explained. She believes gardening teaches patience and helps children “value and appreciate their food.” This hands-on approach connects children to the source of their sustenance and the effort involved in producing it, a crucial lesson for young royals growing up in abundance, as reported by Marie Claire.
Meghan also emphasized her active involvement in her children’s daily lives, from school drop-offs and pick-ups to preparing their lunches. She finds “joy” and therapy in these simple tasks, illustrating her dedication to being present and engaged as a mother. “This is such a key age. I don’t want to miss a moment for my children,” she shared, reflecting a common sentiment among parents who cherish these formative years.
Joyful Holiday Traditions and Community Spirit
As the holiday season approaches, Meghan shared her enthusiasm for family festivities, noting that with Archie now five and Lilibet three, “every year, it gets better.” The Duchess looks forward to experiencing the holidays through her children’s eyes, a sentiment many parents can relate to as their little ones begin to grasp the magic of the season.
Thanksgiving, in particular, is a “pretty low-key” affair for the Sussex family, often spent close to Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. This emphasis on family time is complemented by a generous spirit of community; Meghan makes sure there’s “room at the table for your friends who don’t have family.” Notably, renowned feminist icon Gloria Steinem has joined them for Thanksgiving in the past, underscoring the inclusive nature of their celebrations. Their holiday plans, like many families, involve a great meal, games, and music, fostering a warm and engaging environment, as detailed by Marie Claire.
These collective revelations paint a vivid picture of Meghan Markle’s intentional and loving approach to parenting. From fostering daily communication to teaching gratitude through tangible experiences and creating inclusive holiday memories, the Duchess of Sussex is dedicated to raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with a strong foundation of values and a deep appreciation for life’s simple, yet profound, joys.
