Meghan Markle and Prince Harry share new pic of Archie with balloons to mark his 2nd birthday

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle today shared a new picture of Archie holding balloons to mark his 2nd birthday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are celebrating their son turning two from their home in California – and have asked well-wishers for charity donations to mark the occasion.

Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates

They released a joint statement on their Archewell foundation website today, saying they are “incredibly grateful” to those who have given money to good causes, volunteered or raised donations on behalf of their son.

The proud parents wrote: “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.

“Many of you donate to charities on his behalf and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of service – all through the goodness of your hearts,” they wrote.

But they said “too many families” are still struggling through the Covid pandemic and asked those who can afford it to help vaccinate the most vulnerable.

‘LIFE OF SERVICE’

“We will not be able to truly recover until everyone, everywhere, has equal access to the vaccine,” they said.

“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.

“For a donation of just 5 dollars, 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 dollars – covering the cost of four doses.”

It comes after Meghan and Harry hit back at the Queen after she stripped them of their Royal titles in February, saying: “We can all live a life of service.”

When the couple confirmed they would not be returning as working members of the Royal family earlier this year, a statement from the Palace said the Queen wrote to say it is “not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.

But Harry and Meghan hit back and said: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are serving as Campaign Chairs of VAX Live, where the Duke was clapped and cheered as he walked on stage for the concert this week.

Meanwhile, his son Archie was flooded with well-wishes today, with senior royals taking to social media to wish him a special day.

A post on the Royal Family’s official Instagram and Twitter pages read: “Wishing Archie Mountbatten-Windsor a very happy 2nd birthday today.”

In another gushing post, shared on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official accounts, Wills and Kate wrote: “Wishing Archie a very happy 2nd birthday today,” followed by a balloon and cake emoji.

They shared a family snap taken on Archie’s Christening when he was just two-months old, featuring the entire family together.

Meanwhile Prince Charles and Camilla shared a loving photo of the Prince of Wales with his son and grandson, writing: “Happy birthday to Archie, who turns two today”.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6 2019 at 5.26am, weighing 7lb 3oz.

It is not clear what Harry and Meghan will be doing together for Archie’s special day.

But the Queen, 95, may still be able to join in the party on a video chat with her great-great grandson.

It comes after the Duchess of Sussex revealed her husband’s special bond with their son was the inspiration behind her first children’s publication, The Bench.

The little boy has only been seen rarely during the past 12 months, but did feature in a black and white video clip released in March, showing him walking along a beach watched by his parents and the family’s pet dog, Guy.

He also made a surprise appearance in the Sussexes’ first podcast for Spotify in December, with his American accent slipping out.

At Christmas, the Sussexes’ festive card was decorated with a picture of Archie and his parents sitting in front of a Wendy house, thought to be at their Californian home, with the couple’s pet dogs.

And for his first birthday Harry and Meghan released a video of their boisterous son playing up for the camera as his mother read him the popular children’s tale Duck! Rabbit!