In a significant move that echoes royal traditions, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have stepped into the public eye for their first official-style charity engagement. The young children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle participated in a volunteer event at Our Big Kitchen in Los Angeles, helping their parents prepare meals for families in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
A Family Affair in Community Service
The Sussex family's appearance at the Los Angeles community kitchen on 28th November 2025 marked a notable departure from their usual approach of keeping the children out of the public spotlight. Six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet were actively involved in the volunteer work, wearing miniature aprons and baseball caps featuring their parents' Archewell Foundation logo.
Captured in photographs shared by Meghan on her Instagram account, the siblings appeared fully engaged in the kitchen activities. They assisted with mixing dough and packaging meals alongside their parents, with the Duchess of Sussex captioning the heartfelt moments with the simple yet powerful phrase: "Show up, do good."
The 'Pseudo Royal' Engagement Strategy
Royal commentators have quickly characterised the outing as a "pseudo-royal" event, noting how closely it mirrors the type of community engagement typically undertaken by working members of the Royal Family back in the United Kingdom. This represents a clear evolution in Harry and Meghan's strategy regarding their children's public presence.
Rather than maintaining complete privacy, the couple appears to be gradually introducing Archie and Lilibet to philanthropic work on their own terms. This approach aligns with Meghan's previously stated desire to raise her children with a strong social consciousness, similar to values instilled during her own upbringing.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The carefully managed appearance has generated substantial praise from supporters online, who have applauded the couple's decision to involve their children in meaningful charitable work rather than mere photo opportunities. Many have highlighted that the California-based upbringing allows the children the "gift of choice" in participating in charity, contrasting it with the more rigid protocols they would have experienced within the UK royal system.
Sources close to the couple suggest this outing was intentionally designed to teach Archie and Lilibet about the importance of giving back and understanding their privilege from an early age. The event successfully blended family time with community service, establishing a new chapter in how the Sussex children are being introduced to their unique position in the world.
