Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Family Traditions That Keep Them Grounded

While the Halloween sighting delighted royal watchers, it also highlighted something deeper about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s family life — their ongoing effort to maintain balance and connection far from palace walls.

During a recent speaking engagement near their Montecito home, the Duchess of Sussex offered rare insight into their household routines, explaining how the couple keeps family at the center of their busy lives.

One cherished ritual is their nightly “rose and thorn” tradition at the dinner table. Meghan explained that each evening, she asks Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, to share the best part of their day — the “rose” — and something that didn’t go as well — the “thorn.”

“Especially with young children, it’s a great opener for, you know, when you get to that stage where your kids just give you a yes or no answer,” Meghan said with a smile.

The practice, she noted, encourages emotional awareness and open communication, helping the children express both gratitude and honesty. And as it turns out, Princess Lilibet already brings her own personality to the ritual.

“Our daughter, she’s four, and she’s a very strong personality and she’s incredible,” Meghan shared. When asked recently for her rose and thorn, the little princess simply replied, “My day was just a blast.”

Another meaningful element of their home life is the “healing blanket,” a heartfelt gift from Victoria Jackson, co-founder of a local bookstore. Meghan revealed that whenever someone in the family feels unwell, the blanket becomes a symbol of comfort and care — a reminder of love’s quiet power.

These glimpses into the Sussex household reveal a family focused not on grandeur, but on gratitude. From their Halloween stroll through Santa Barbara to their nightly family conversations, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear committed to nurturing a sense of normalcy, kindness, and connection — values that transcend royal titles.