Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have always been in the spotlight, especially during the holiday season. Their 2024 holiday card brought a sweet surprise as it featured their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet along with their beloved rescue beagle Momma Mia. This marked the first time they had included their children in such a way since 2021. The card showed the children excitedly running towards their parents, creating a heartwarming scene.

Adopting Momma Mia - A Heartwarming Act

In August 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle adopted a senior rescue beagle named Mia. She was one of 4,000 beagles rescued from a Virginia breeding facility. The couple chose to adopt her from the Beagle Freedom Project rescue facility in California's San Fernando Valley. Animal rights attorney Shannon Keith praised them, saying they are the most loving adopters. Harry and Meghan could have taken a puppy, but they opted for a senior dog. They showed great commitment to animal welfare by adopting Mia, who had a difficult past. Keith was impressed by their follow-up, knowing how well Momma Mia was doing in her new home. 2: This act of adopting a rescue beagle not only showed their kindness but also set an example. It demonstrated their belief in giving a second chance to animals in need. Momma Mia became an important part of their family, adding to the joy and warmth during the holidays.

The Family's Dog Pack

Before Momma Mia, the family already had a rescue beagle. In 2015, Meghan rescued a beagle named Guy from A Dog's Dream Rescue in Ontario, Canada. This was when she was living abroad for her work on Suits and before she started dating Prince Harry in 2016. Dolores Doherty, the founder of A Dog's Dream Rescue, was grateful for the spotlight Meghan brought to the shelter. The pup found a new home with Meghan and became part of their family. 2: In 2018, shortly after their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex adopted a black Labrador named Pula. Pula means "rain" in Setswana, a meaningful language for them as they had their third date in Botswana where rain is a valuable blessing. This name choice showed the significance of their connection to the country.

Holiday Card Memories

Momma Mia made her debut in the 2024 holiday card, but Guy and Pula had already shared a cameo. In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan sent an illustration of a picture taken by Meghan's mom Doria Ragland of them playing in their California backyard with Prince Archie, with Pula and Guy by his side. These holiday cards have become a way to share their family moments with the world. 2: Prince Harry's memoir Spare also mentioned "fur babies" (dogs) as a topic he bonded with King Charles and Queen Camilla about when Meghan first met them in 2016. It shows how dogs have played an important role in their lives and relationships.