Meghan Markle offered fans a rare and heartfelt look into her Californian life as she marked Independence Day with a festive and personal touch.

Posting to her newly launched lifestyle brand Instagram, As Ever, the Duchess of Sussex shared a video of herself preparing a patriotic red, white, and blue charcuterie board. The clip showed Meghan arranging summer fruits, cheeses cut into stars, and delicate flowers to form a platter resembling the American flag. “Happy 4th of July!” she wrote, giving followers a peek into how the Sussexes celebrate the holiday at home in Montecito.

A Subtle Nod to Royal Days

In the video, Meghan appeared relaxed and radiant, wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt previously seen during her 2018 Wimbledon outing with the Princess of Wales. The fashion choice subtly bridged her royal past with her present American life.

She also posted a sentimental memory from her second date with Prince Harry on July 4, 2016, recalling, “Our second date was the 4th of July 2016 and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate. Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition. Happy Independence Day! May your day be as sweet as these cupcakes.”

A Growing Tradition of Celebrating in Style

Since leaving royal duties and relocating to California in 2020, Meghan and Harry have created their own family-centered holiday traditions. On Valentine’s Day, Meghan showcased heart-shaped treats for Archie and Lilibet. St. Patrick’s Day featured a cheerful green-themed breakfast, and for Father’s Day, the kids honored Harry with a handmade banner.

Their Montecito lifestyle reflects a blend of elegance and modern family values—celebrating both British roots and American customs.

From Cupcakes to Charcuterie: The Journey Since 2016

In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry shared memories of that early Fourth of July date, describing Meghan in a blue pinstriped sundress and the moment he surprised her with red, white, and blue cupcakes. “She was aglow,” he wrote. “I said something about the Brits having a very different view of Independence Day from the Yanks, but oh, well.”

Now, eight years later, those cupcakes have evolved into curated cheese boards, but the couple’s commitment to building meaningful traditions remains.

Harry Reflects on U.S. Life

Earlier this year, Harry spoke with Good Morning America, admitting that while American citizenship had crossed his mind, it wasn’t a priority. When asked if he enjoyed living in the U.S., he smiled: “It’s amazing. I love every single day.” However, when asked if he felt American, he paused: “Do I feel American? Um, no. I don’t know how I feel.”

New Chapter, Same Mission

While Meghan embraces her role as a California-based mother and entrepreneur through As Ever, Harry continues his focus on veterans through the Invictus Games. The couple, now far from their royal duties, have found a slower pace in Montecito, where their children can grow up with more privacy and a connection to nature.

Despite living worlds away from Windsor, Meghan and Harry remain closely watched and continue shaping their public and private lives on their own terms.