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Prince Harry reveals Princess Lilibet's surprise reaction to family birthday celebration - see new photo


The Duke and Duchess of Sussex enjoyed a family trip to Disneyland in California to mark Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday on 4 June


Prince Harry, Prince Achie and Princess Lilibet
Danielle Stacey
Danielle StaceyOnline Royal Correspondent - London
Updated: September 22, 2025
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The Duke of Sussex has shared some more insights into his fun family trip with Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to Disneyland from earlier this year, including a new photograph from his daughter's magical birthday. Prince Harry spoke about their time at the iconic California theme park as he and Meghan appeared on the 'The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland - A Special Edition of 20/20' to recount some of their favourite Disney memories.

The couple treated their children to the trip in June, which coincided with Lilibet's fourth birthday. And Harry reveals that his kids' excitement had already begun before they arrived at the theme park.

"They're like, 'This is amazing!' Like, 'Guys, this isn't even the front of it. Prepare yourself. You're about to be blown away,'" he said. He later added: "To see the kids throw themselves into these experiences when they have no idea what they're walking into - it was amazing. And it brings out the kid in you again."

Archie and Lilibet looking at Lilibet's Little Mermaid-themed cake on Lilibet's  4th birthday© ABC / Meghan Markle
Archie and Lilibet admiring her birthday spread and cake at Disneyland

A new snap of the Sussex children flashed up during the programme, showing Archie and Lilibet admiring a beautiful spread of food, along with Lilibet's spectacular Little Mermaid-themed cake, complete with a fondant Ariel on top.

WATCH: Archie and Lilibet enjoy fun family trip to Disneyland

A photograph of Harry and Meghan riding Space Mountain was also included in the programme, a ride which has been a favourite of the Duke's since his childhood visit.

"I went round and round and round – 10, maybe 12 times," he admitted.

As well as enjoying the rides in the park, Archie and Lilibet got to meet some of the characters at Disneyland, including Elsa from Frozen. 

"Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!" Meghan captioned a video montage at the time.

Harry also recalled his childhood trip to Disneyland with his mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales and brother, Prince William, in 1993, when he was just eight years old.

"I remember it very, very well. I remember losing it as a kid with all the characters. Like, losing it," the 41-year-old shared. 

Sussexes' public appearance

The Disney special aired on Sunday after the Duke and Duchess attended Kevin Costner's One805LIVE! Fall Fundraiser, a benefit supporting first responders. Other A-listers at the concert included Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe.

(L-R) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attend the One805LIVE! 2025 concert © Getty Images for ABA
Harry and Meghan at Kevin Costner's fundraiser

Harry, dressed in a dark blazer, shirt and jeans, appeared on stage as he presented an award to Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. Meghan, 44, who looked elegant in a sleeveless navy dress briefly appeared onstage alongside her husband.

It marked the couple's first joint appearance since Harry returned home from his trips to the UK and Ukraine. Amid carrying out a string of engagements with charities and organisations in the UK, Harry was reunited with his father, the King, at Clarence House for a 54-minute meeting – their first in 19 months.

Harry delivering his speech as host Gaby Roslin looks on© Getty Images
Harry delivering his speech at the WellChild Awards in London

The Duke's Kyiv visit was with a team from his Invictus Games Foundation after an invitation from the Ukrainian government and Olga Rudneva, chief executive of the Superhumans Centre, an orthopaedic clinic and rehabilitation centre for adults and children affected by the war in Ukraine.

Harry and Meghan's magical trip to Disneyland

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Princess Lilibet had a lovely birthday© Instagram

The Sussexes donned Mickey Mouse hats

Family trip

The children were full of excitement before they arrived at the theme park, Harry revealed.

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Prince Harry with his daughter, Princess Lilibet at Disneyland© Instagram

The Sussex kids enjoyed many of the park's rides

Making memories

Harry and Lilibet enjoying the Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters ride. 

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's daughter, Princess Lilibet with ginger hair

Lilibet on the Flying Dumbo ride

Lilibet's fun birthday trip

Meghan's video montage showed the the family on the log flumes for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, as well as Lilibet riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

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Meghan Markle shares beautiful family moments© Instagram

Meghan couldn't stop giggling

Thrill-seekers

Harry, Archie and Meghan on the log flumes. 

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Prince Harry, Meghan and their children at Disneyland© Instagram

One for the album!

Family snap

Harry and Meghan beam as they pose for a family snap with their kids at Disneyland.

LISTEN: The family member Prince Harry visited at Kensington Palace during UK visit

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