The Sussexes’ Disneyland Photo Album Included a Sweet Subtle Nod to Princess Diana
The parallels are incredibly moving


Princess Diana may not have lived to meet her grandchildren, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are raising their little ones with plenty of homages to their late grandmother. The latest example of this came when the Duchess of Sussex shared some adorable family photos taken at Disneyland in Southern California - where she, Harry and their son Prince Archie, 6, headed for a fun couple of days celebrating their daughter Princess Lilibet's 4th birthday.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Meghan shared the loveliest montage of her family having the best time at the theme park - which included a mix of photos and short videos. All of this shows the family of four enjoying lots of different rides, meeting Disney characters, sporting Disney merch, and enjoying classic Disneyland snacks such as corn dogs. The Duchess captioned the post: "Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!"
A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan)
A photo posted by on
But there's one photo in particular that has caught eagle-eyed royal watchers' attention: the one of Harry and Meghan on the ride formerly known as Splash Mountain. Archie and Lili don't appear in that photo — it's possible that they didn't meet the height requirement for the ride, or simply weren't in front of the camera on that occasion.
While these days this ride is known as Tiana's Bayou Adventure (based on the 2009 Disney film The Princess and the Frog), this wasn't Harry's first time on the log flume. In fact, the Prince experienced the same ride at Disneyland Florida circa 1993, when he was just eight years old.
At the time, Harry rode Splash Mountain with mum Princess Diana and brother Prince William, then 11, as reported by People. And if you're wondering how the high-profile royals were able to visit the park, the answer is rather surprising. Splash Mountain was closed off to the rest of the public while they were on it, and they reportedly reached it via secret underground tunnels. A waiter who encountered the royals back then told the publication: "They were all very nice, very well behaved. She was a sweetheart."
How sweet!
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Iris Goldsztajn is a freelance news writer for Marie Claire UK. She covers celebrity and royal news, and has previously written for titles including Marie Claire US, InStlyle, Women's Health, Bustle, Stylist and Red.
Aside from her quasi-personal investment in celebs' comings and goings, she is especially interested in debunking diet culture and de-stigmatising mental health struggles.
-
Palace Staff Are ‘Frustrated’ by William and Kate’s New ‘Attitude’
-
I’m Updating My Workout Wardrobe This Month – and Can’t Get Enough of These Summer Activewear Trends
Start summer sweat sessions in style.
-
I’m Done Gatekeeping—This Cool Fragrance Brand Is the Industry’s Best Kept Secret
If you hate smelling like everyone else then this one's for you
-
Prince Harry Confirms His Return to the UK - But Is 'Unlikely' to Reunite With William and Charles
The tensions between them have not yet eased
-
Meghan Markle Is Reportedly Expanding Into This Surprise Sector
We can't wait to see what she does with this
-
Princess Lilibet Looks Just Like Harry in Meghan’s Newest Birthday Photo
Adorable.
-
Why There’s ‘No Turning Back’ for Prince Harry and Prince William
A reconciliation isn't expected any time soon
-
Harry Was Deeply 'Disappointed' By How Diana's Family Reacted to Meghan Markle
Royal author Tom Bower previously made this claim
-
Prince Harry Considered a Significant Name Change Following Royal Fallout
-
Princess Diana Once Made a Chillingly Accurate ‘Prediction’ About Prince William
The late royal had rather surprising foresight
-
Several Royals Are 'Blocking' a Prince Harry and King Charles Reconciliation, According to Insiders