Prince Archie’s 4th birthday party will be a ‘low-key’ celebration, source claims

Prince Archie’s birthday party will be ‘low-key’ and hosted in the Sussexes’ Santa Barbara home, according to reports.

The eldest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who turns four on 6 May, the same day as King Charles’s coronation, will celebrate in the $14.65million mansion in Montecito where the family lives.

A source told People Magazine the party will include friends and family, with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland likely to have a hand in organising the event.

The source said: ‘They’ll have friends around them and Meghan’s mom, Doria [Ragland]. Meghan will definitely have support that weekend.’

They added Prince Archie will enjoy spending time with family and his little sister Lilibet in particular, with whom he has a close relationship.

A source has told People magazine that Prince Archie’s birthday party will be a ‘low-key’ celebration and will likely be held at the Sussexes’ Montecito mansion

‘They are so sweet together. Archie loves Lili. He’s such a sweet boy. When she’s not around, he asks, ‘Where’s Lili?’ ‘ the source said.

It is unclear if the party will fall on Archie’s actual birthday, when his father Prince Harry will be in London for the coronation celebrations, but the party may well be held on Sunday 7 May instead, when it has been reported that Harry will fly back to California.

After months of speculation about whether or not the Sussexes will attend the coronation, it was confirmed this month that Harry will travel to London, but Meghan will stay with the children in California.

The Duke of Sussex (pictured with Archie) will be in the UK  for the King’s coronation on the day Prince Archie turns four

It is now also believed that Harry has told the King that he will not stay in Britain for the star-studded concert at Windsor Castle the following day – and will instead fly back to the US after the ceremony so he can be with his family and belatedly celebrate Archie’s fourth birthday. 

A source told the Mirror: ‘Harry said that he would be returning for the King’s Coronation but it will only be a fleeting visit. Organisers have been told Harry won’t be attending the concert with the rest of the Royal Family, which is a great shame as it will be such a spectacular event.’

The birthday party may resemble Princess Lilibet’s ‘intimate’ christening last month, with the after-party taking place at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito.

At the time, People magazine reported that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, including Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet’s godfather Tyler Perry.

They were serenaded by a gospel choir, who are believed to have performed Oh Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine — a song that was played at Meghan and Harry’s wedding.

Meanwhile an insider revealed that after the ceremony, ‘attendees were treated to an afternoon of food and dancing — with Archie enjoying a dance with his little sister!’

A source also told the magazine that Lilibet’s aunt and uncle, the Prince and Princess of Wales, grandfather King Charles and step-grandmother, the Queen Consort, had been invited to the event but had not attended.