Meghan Markle and Prince Harry debut family member in fresh glimpse of their life in the US
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have shared their annual Christmas card, offering fans a glimpse into their family life with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The card features a previously unseen member of the Sussex household – their rescue dog Mamma Mia.
The heartwarming image shows the young royal children running into their parents’ arms, with Mamma Mia visible alongside the family.
The beagle joined the Sussexes’ California home in Montecito in August 2022, where she lives with their other dogs – fellow beagle Guy and a black Labrador believed to be called Pula.
Mamma Mia was adopted from the Beagle Freedom Project, an organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals used in experimental research.
The rescue charity later shared their gratitude, stating: “Recently, we received a call from Meghan & Harry inquiring about adopting from us! Their adoption has brought such light to our mission.”
The first meeting between the royal couple and Mamma Mia was particularly special, according to Shannon Keith, an animal rights lawyer who runs the project.
Keith told KTTV: “Mamma Mia ran to them and we had never seen her do that with anyone before.
“She just knew that this was her people. Prince Harry sat on the couch, and she ran to him and put her paws on his knees. Her tail was wagging a million miles a minute.”
Meghan’s adoption of Mamma Mia reflects her long-standing commitment to animal welfare.
The Duchess has welcomed several rescue dogs into her family over the years.
When she married Prince Harry, Meghan brought her rescue beagle Guy with her to the UK.
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Her dedication to animal causes was further demonstrated when she chose the animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages.
Earlier this year, Meghan Markle has made a touching tribute to her late dear friend Oli Juste.
The Duchess of Sussex published a statement on her website announcing that a new wing at animal rescue Mayhew Animal Home has been named after Juste.
Meghan met Juste in 2019 when became patron of Mayhew, just three years before he sadly died in January 2022.