Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hint that Archie and Lilibet will make first public appearance soon

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have delighted fans with a rare glimpse of their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in this year's Christmas card.

The adorable snap, which marks the first time the youngsters have been seen in years, shows them excitedly running towards their parents from behind.

Fans were quick to comment on how grown up the pair look in the picture, which also features the family's three dogs.

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Meghan is seen beaming at five year old Archie, while Harry crouches down to greet three year old Lilibet, who sports red hair just like her big brother.

Some are speculating that this could be a sign we'll be seeing more of the children soon. A source previously told the Express that Archie and Lilibet might make their first public appearance at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Vancouver next year.

They said: "Harry and Meghan are planning to take Archie and Lilibet to help promote a new 'family-friendly' Invictus Games."

The source added: "The Sussexes have been very involved with the organisational elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler events and it was very much their idea to make this a family-friendly games so that those taking part can bring their children along", reports The Mirror.

Should Archie and Lilibet be seen, it would signal a significant shift for Harry and Meghan, who are known for guarding their family's privacy. A friend of the couple shared with People earlier this year: "Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm."

Harry also expressed his contentment with raising his children in the US at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit on December 4, saying: "I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. It's a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live."

He added, "I feel as though it's the life that my mum wanted for me. To be able to do the things I'm able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK - it's huge. That is a fantastic opportunity and I'm hugely grateful for that."

Despite being close in line to the throne, Archie and Lilibet have barely spent time in the UK and thus have minimal contact with Royal family members, including King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate, and their young cousins.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from Royal duties in January 2020, not long after their May 2018 nuptials.

Consequently, a significant rift has formed, with the Sussexes reportedly being 'cut off' by key royals, including Prince William.