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On Sunday’s ABC special broadcast, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reflected on taking children Archie and Lillivet to Disneyland. The family trip brought fond memories for both, including Harry’s 1993 visit to Disney World and Princess Diana and Prince William. The special aired a day after Harry and Meghan co-appeared on Kevin Costner’s One805Live! Charity event.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look back at the fairy tale Disneyland adventures with children Archie and Lillivet.
On September 21st, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in ABC’s The Happest Story on Earth: Disneyland in 70 years – special edition of 20/20. They opened about their family’s June trip to a California theme park to celebrate Lillivet’s fourth birthday.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Meghan felt nostalgic about her return to Disneyland. “It’s so magical,” she said. “I’m a Southern California girl, so being able to go to Disneyland is much more accessible than most people, but it’s still the biggest treat in the world.”
She recalled alumni night, a tradition of high school seniors, as one of her most memorable visits. “All graduate nights are seniors in high school. You’re hours away, it’s dark. I don’t know why they let us do it! It’s so much fun,” she said.
Meanwhile, Harry is brought back to his childhood adventures. Duke shared memories of visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida in 1993 with his mother, Princess Diana, and her older brother, Prince William. “I went with my mother and brother. I remember very well,” he said. “I remember losing it as a kid with all the characters. It’s like losing it.”
He continued, “Space Mountain was one of my favorites.” Meghan replied, “It’s still one of your favorite vehicles.” According to Harry, he didn’t get enough of it during his June visit. “I’ve probably gone 12 times, round 10, round, round,” he said.
Before entering the park, Harry said the kids were already excited. “They’re like, ‘This is amazing!'” he remembered with a laugh. “I told them, ‘Guys, this isn’t even that front. Get yourself ready. You’re about to be blown away.”
As they explored more, Meghan said his son, born on May 6, 2019, was already looking forward to his own Disney celebration next year. “To ensure that we have memories of our own childhood and see it throughout our daughter’s birthday, Archie said, ‘When is my birthday?”
Looking back on this experience, Harry said, “It was amazing to see kids throw themselves into these experiences when they didn’t know what they were walking. It brings them out into you again.”
On June 6th, Meghan re-evaluated the family trip in an Instagram video montage, set to Peggy Lee’s “It’s a good day.” This clip captured a snapshot of Foursome to match Mickey Mouse hats, met Elsa from Frozen and enjoyed multiple rides. Harry and Meghan also gave their daughter a small mermaid-themed birthday cake. “Thank you to @disneyland for giving my family two days of pure joy!” Meghan captioned the post.
Harry and Meghan appeared in the ABC special the day after they went out to Kevin Costner’s One 805 Live! An event in Carpinteria, California.
The couple took the stage and presented the Community Award to the County Fire Department’s Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Program. This was their first public communal outing since Harry returned from a visit to the UK. There he attended various charity events.
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