Meghan Markle, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, were seen celebrating the Halloween holiday on October 31st. The Sussex couple participated in the traditional “trick or treat” game alongside their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet Diana, four, in a discreet neighborhood in the city of Santa Barbara, California. The family celebration, away from the royal spotlight, reinforces the more reserved routine that the family has maintained since moving to the United States. The event followed local custom, where hosts offer sweets to children and, in some cases, drinks to the adults accompanying them.

Archie and Lilibet wore insect-themed costumes, while the Duchess of Sussex chose a complementary outfit, demonstrating the couple’s commitment to adapting to American customs. The family moment, rare in public appearances, was captured in photos that circulated in the international press, showing Prince Harry carrying bottles and Meghan with a glass, highlighting the relaxed atmosphere of the evening. The choice of a modest neighborhood for the activity underscores the couple’s desire to provide a common childhood experience for their children, in line with local California traditions.

Details of the costumes and the atmosphere of the American night

The little heirs drew attention for their choice of costumes. Prince Archie was dressed as an ant, showing off his six-year-old enthusiasm, while his younger sister, Lilibet, opted for a green firefly costume, with details that sparkled.

Meghan Markle joined the theme with a butterfly costume, using colorful wings over dark clothes. Duwho from Sussex, in turn, preferred a more casual approach, without an elaborate costume, wearing a navy blue polo and cap, and remaining focused on accompanying his children. The scene reflects one of the few occasions in which the family is seen in public spontaneously, highlighting the discreet routine in Montecito.

Immersion in American holidays

Adherence to commemorative dates in the United States has been a constant in the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Halloween celebration is yet another example of the family’s cultural immersion in Meghan Markle’s home country.

O casal já havia compartilhado publicamente a importância de outra data festiva americana, o Dia da Independência dos Estados Unidos, celebrado em 4 de julho.

Meghan revealed that her second meeting with Prince Harry took place on Independence Day 2016.
On the occasion, the Duke of Sussex presented her with cupcakes in the colors of the American flag, starting a family tradition.
The children, Archie and Lilibet, maintain the custom of celebrating the date with cupcakes, transforming the holiday into a personal milestone for the family.

Aspects of Santa Bárbara tradition

The peculiarity of adults consuming alcoholic beverages while accompanying children trick-or-treating is a notable cultural trait in some American communities, including Santa Barbara. As children scour the houses in search of treats, parents are often invited to participate in a more social way, with hosts offering drink options. This practice turns the evening into a broader social event.

This dynamic reinforces the contrast between the rigor of royal protocols and the social freedom experienced by the family in California, allowing them to live a more integrated life within the local community. Adherence to these customs indicates the consolidation of the lifestyle chosen by the couple after their retirement from senior royal duties.

Preparation and children’s privacy

The Halloween appearance comes shortly after the Duchess of Sussex shared a video of the family in a pumpkin field on her social media. The record showed the family together, with Harry carving the pumpkinand children playing, while maintaining privacy by avoiding showing the children’s faces clearly. This balance between sharing family moments and protecting their children’s image is an ongoing strategy for the couple.

The video was a rare concession as Archie and Lilibet have rarely been seen in public since the couple moved to California in 2020. Discretion is a priority, contrasting with the high level of scrutiny the royal family often faces.