The News
Archie’s Birthday Snubbed by A-Listers as Royals Opt for Low-Key Celebration
Archie, the son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, celebrated his fourth birthday with a simple family gathering at their home in Montecito, California.
The intimate party included Archie's little sister, Lilibet, who will soon turn two.
The couple's lavish £11m estate was adorned with balloons and streamers to create a festive ambiance.
Meghan personally baked a lemon cake for Archie using fruits from their garden, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
The guest list for Archie's birthday was limited to only his grandmother, Doria Ragland, and Meghan's close friend, Victoria Jackson.
Surprisingly, no celebrities attended the event, including high-profile figures like Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres.
It seems that even Tyler Perry, Lilibet's godfather, was absent from the low-key gathering, leaving the royal couple with a modest celebration.
Despite Meghan's earlier hints through her public relations team about celebrity attendees, the party remained exclusive to close family and friends.
In contrast, Kim Kardashian hosted a lavish birthday bash for one of her children on the same day, attracting Hollywood elites and their kids.
The stark difference in guest lists highlights the Harkles' lower standing in the celebrity hierarchy.
A heartwarming tribute to Archie surfaced on social media, featuring a photo of him alongside Princess Diana during a coronation ceremony.
Photographer MeSun Harriman shared the touching image, garnering over 15,000 likes.
The post, extracted from a recent Netflix documentary on Harry and Meghan, subtly criticized the royal family while extending warm birthday wishes to Archie.
In the affluent enclave of Montecito, where opulence and extravagance are the norm, children's birthday parties can range from extravagant spectacles to understated affairs.
Lisa Gachet, an LA-based author, revealed that parties in the area could involve exorbitant spending on elaborate setups like painted backdrops and ferris wheels.
However, she also noted a trend towards simpler celebrations with homemade cakes and minimal decorations, reflecting a blend of wealth and humility among residents.
Residents of Montecito, known for their affluence and old-money heritage, prioritize safety, dietary preferences, and ethical considerations when hosting children's events.
Parties often feature ethically sourced party favors and cater to various dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegetarian options.
The community's emphasis on mental health and mindful parenting underscores a holistic approach to raising children, shunning materialism and excess in favor of values and well-being.