The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is gearing up for a Thanksgiving celebration filled with cherished traditions and the warmth of family. In a recent interview with Marie Claire, as reported by Elle, the 43-year-old actress and mother of two offered a glimpse into her family’s upcoming festive gathering with Prince Harry, five-year-old Archie, and three-year-old Lilibet. The focus, she reveals, isn’t on extravagant displays, but rather on the simple joys of togetherness.
“We’re always making sure we have something fun to do,” Markle shared, emphasizing the importance of play and shared experiences. “Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal, and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar—fun.” She eloquently described how the holiday’s significance has evolved with her children’s growth, stating, “At first, I think as a mom with children, you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year. Every year it gets better.” This heartwarming sentiment highlights the precious, evolving nature of family traditions.
Markle’s Thanksgiving celebrations, she notes, are intentionally kept ‘low-key.’ However, the intimate gatherings have expanded over the years to include an increasingly larger circle of loved ones. This year’s guest list includes a particularly notable addition: feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Their friendship, forged in their Montecito neighborhood, deepened after Markle sought Steinem’s guidance in making thank-you calls to voter-registration organizers. The inclusion of Steinem speaks volumes about the values the Sussexes hold dear – a commitment to social activism and the importance of community.
Beyond immediate family, the Sussexes consistently prioritize inclusivity during their holiday celebrations. Markle emphasized the significance of extending hospitality to those who may not have family to share the holiday with, stating, “I was thinking about, in the past few years of having Thanksgiving here, like many of us, I think you always make sure there’s room at the table for your friends who don’t have family, which is really key.” This act of kindness reflects the couple’s dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Since stepping back from their senior royal roles in 2020, the couple have hosted numerous dinners at their Montecito home. This Thanksgiving, like past years, promises to be a special blend of family traditions, heartfelt connections, and a commitment to community engagement. Earlier this month, Markle hosted a community dinner for Afghan women resettling in the US, further highlighting her ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes. This Thanksgiving, therefore, represents not only a celebration of family but also a testament to the Sussexes’ dedication to building bridges and creating a more inclusive world, one meaningful gathering at a time.
