Royal Thank You Note Revealed by Montecito Bike Shop for Archie's 4th Birthday Gift

Prince Harry, Prince Archie, and Meghan Markle. Shutterstock

Mad Dogs Bike Shop in Montecito, California, shared a heartwarming thank-you letter from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Instagram. The letter was sent to express gratitude for a special birthday present given to their son, Prince Archie, on his fourth birthday.

On "The Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex" letterhead, Harry and Meghan expressed their sincere gratitude to the British boutique owners for their thoughtful gift. The message, postdated Tuesday, June 6, acknowledged that the bike has brought much joy and is highly valued by the family. Referring to the couple who moved to Montecito in 2020 after stepping down from their royal duties in London, the note requested that their appreciation be conveyed for the delightful surprise.

Courtesy of Mad Dogs & Englishmen/Instagram

The letter was signed by Harrison Colcord, who works for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan Markle, despite being the Duchess of Sussex, prioritized celebrating her son Archie's fourth birthday over attending King Charles III's official coronation ceremony on May 6. A source exclusively told We that Meghan appreciated the invite to the special occasion but wouldn't miss her son's birthday for the world. Meghan opted to throw a "low-key" party for Archie while Harry attended the royal event to show support on behalf of their family.

Prince Archie and Prince Harry Netflix

Harry sat with his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in the third row during the Westminster Abbey service. After the coronation, he left the U.K. to make it home for the end of Archie's birthday. Although the royal family did not publicly acknowledge the occasion, the 74-year-old king celebrated privately.

According to royal expert Nick Bullen, the king's toast to Archie on his birthday had a somber tone, as he added the phrase "wherever he is." Bullen suggests that the absence of these two grandchildren from the royal family's story is a source of sadness for all involved, including the king. However, the decision to distance themselves from the royal family was made by the Sussexes and must be respected. Additionally, Prince Charles did not publicly acknowledge Lili's 2nd birthday, despite being a grandfather to Prince William's children with Princess Kate.

“The Palace did not snub Lilibet,” a source told Us on Monday, June 5. “There is no and has never been protocol for wishing happy birthdays to non-working members of the royal family.”