Archie, the son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, celebrated his fourth birthday on Saturday with a low-key party at their home in Montecito, California.
The couple’s £11m mansion was adorned with balloons and streamers to create a festive atmosphere for the occasion.
Meghan even baked a lemon cake for Archie, using fruit from their own garden.
The celebrations were small and intimate, with only Archie’s grandmother, Doria Ragland, and Meghan’s close friend, Victoria Jackson, in attendance.
Contrary to earlier reports, no celebrities were present at Archie’s birthday party.
It seems that invitations were extended, but given their lower standing in the Hollywood hierarchy, it’s understandable that Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Serena Williams, and even Tyler Perry, Lilibet’s godfather, did not attend.
Meanwhile, a friend of the couple, MeSun Harriman, shared a heartwarming image on Instagram to wish Archie a happy birthday.
The picture featured a young Prince Archie with his hand resting on a portrait of his late grandmother, Princess Diana.
The post garnered over 15,000 likes, although some criticized it for subtly criticizing the royal family.
It appears that the Sussex family and their friend Harriman chose to celebrate Archie’s birthday on the same day as King Charles’s coronation.
In the exclusive area of Montecito, children’s birthday parties can be extravagant affairs.
According to Lisa Gachet, an LA-based author and etiquette teacher, lavish parties in this neighborhood could involve spending six figures on massive backdrops, food trucks, ferris wheels, and elaborate balloon garlands.
However, Gachet also mentioned that parties in Montecito can be more modest, with simple decorations like blow-up balloons and homemade cakes covered in raspberries.
Despite the wealth of Montecito residents, there is a sense of down-to-earth-ness that discourages excessive extravagance.
The area’s residents come from old money, which influences their approach to celebrations.
Additionally, Montecito parties prioritize safety and dietary restrictions, often featuring ethically sourced toys as party favors.
Gluten-free and other specialized diets are taken into consideration, even if no children attending the party have specific dietary requirements.
In Montecito, there is a strong emphasis on mental health and raising children in an appropriate manner.
Parties for kids steer clear of anything s**ual and focus on creating a safe and healthy environment.
The residents of Montecito understand the importance of catering to different dietary needs and promoting clean living for both mothers and babies.
Archie’s fourth birthday was a special day for the young prince, celebrated with love and joy within the close-knit circle of his family and friends.