Happy Birthday, Archie! Harry and Meghan Celebrate With a Call to Action and New Portrait

It’s Archie’s second birthday! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrated their son’s milestone on May 6 with an important call to action. “We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honour of Archie’s birthday. . . . This year, our world continues to be on the path to recovery from COVID-19,” the couple wrote on their Archewell website. “Yet too many families are still struggling with the impact of this pandemic. While some places are on the verge of healing, in so many parts of the world, communities continue to suffer. As of today, around 80 percent of the nearly one billion COVID-19 vaccine shots that have been given were administered in wealthier countries. . . . We will not be able to truly recover until everyone, everywhere, has equal access to the vaccine. And with that intention, we are inviting you to contribute whatever you can – if you have the means to do so – to bring vaccines to families in the world’s most vulnerable places.”

The statement continued: “For a donation of just $5, you can cover the cost of a dose for someone in need. And because we were able to secure matching support from a number of organizations, that $5 you give will automatically turn into $20 – covering the cost of four doses. Every single dollar counts – not only will it help save lives but it will help save families and communities.

“We cannot think of a more resonant way to honour our son’s birthday. If we all show up, with compassion for those we both know and don’t know, we can have a profound impact. Even a small contribution can have a ripple effect.

“Together, we can uplift, protect, and care for one another.”

Along with asking for donations, Harry and Meghan released a never-before-seen photo of their little one holding up balloons in what looks like the backyard of their Montecito, CA, home. The adorable image was taken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince William and Kate Middleton also wished Archie a happy birthday, writing, “Wishing Archie a very happy 2nd birthday today,” on their official Instagram page.

Related: Meghan Markle Turned a Father’s Day Poem For Prince Harry Into Her Very First Children’s Book

Archie is soon to be a big brother, as the duke and duchess are expecting their second child, a baby girl, in the summer. Read Harry and Meghan’s statement in full on their Archewell website.

– Additional reporting by Monica Sisavat