Meghan Markle’s Heartfelt Back-to-School Tips Inspired by Archie and Lilibet
As Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4) head back to school, Meghan Markle is sharing the thoughtful, creative ways she makes this season special for her little ones — and for herself. Fresh off the release of season 2 of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex is channeling her love for family, details, and wellness into a series of parenting tips that are already making waves.
One of Meghan’s favorite ideas? The power of a handwritten note.
“Slip a little message into your child’s lunchbox — a doodle, a joke, a quick ‘I love you,’ or even a line of encouragement,” she suggests. “It takes only a minute, but that moment of connection can carry them through their day.” As a former calligrapher, Meghan knows the emotional power of a handwritten touch. “If it’s in your own handwriting, even better,” she says.
Next up: a backpack surprise.
“For the first Friday back, I like to hide something small in their backpack. Not candy, but maybe stickers, a silly family photo, or even a tiny toy like you’d find in a Cracker Jack box,” she shares. “It doesn’t have to cost anything. It’s just about letting them know: I see you, I’m proud of you.”
And when it comes to lunchbox creativity, Meghan’s tip is both nostalgic and fun: breakfast for lunch.
“If your kids are anything like mine, breakfast at lunchtime is such a treat. Waffles or pancakes, a scoop of jam, some bacon, maybe hard-boiled eggs with a little salt. It’s easy, especially if you use frozen items, and it feels exciting to them.”
For families looking to stay emotionally connected, Meghan encourages bringing back a classic: the “rose and thorn” ritual.
“Over dinner or even in the car ride home, ask your kids to share their rose (the best part of their day) and their thorn (something that was tough). It opens up real conversation beyond the usual ‘fine’ or ‘okay’ when you ask how school was.” Meghan laughs as she adds, “Our kids now say things like, ‘My day was just a blast!’ and it makes us smile so much.”
She also revealed a sweet behind-the-scenes detail: during quiet evenings, she and Prince Harry debrief their day while prepping lunchboxes — what she calls their “nightcap recaps.”
“It’s a routine that many parents in this stage of life will recognize — rinse and repeat. But those little moments, when we pause and reconnect, mean everything.”
Between her Netflix series, lifestyle brand, and parenting journey, Meghan continues to show how small, intentional acts of love can make a big difference. Whether it’s a sticky note in a lunchbox or a silly trinket in a backpack, the Duchess of Sussex reminds us: love is always in the details.