Archie steals the show in Meghan and Harry's adorable Christmas card

Baby Archie takes centre stage in Meghan and Harry's Christmas card. Photo / Instagram

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have posed for a sweet 2019 Christmas card, circulating on social media today – but their young son Archie steals the show in the adorable photo.

The birthday card was first shared by The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, which wrote: "Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our President and Vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone!"

Just sharing the sweetest Christmas Card from our President and Vice-President, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Very Merry Christmas, everyone! pic.twitter.com/McOcHALoGl

— The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (@queenscomtrust) December 23, 2019

In the black-and-white snap, Harry and Meghan laugh in the background as curious young Archie takes centre stage for the photographer.

Harry's office has confirmed that he and his family will be spending "private time" in Canada over the Christmas holidays. Harry, Meghan and seven-month-old Archie will miss Queen Elizabeth II's traditional Christmas gathering at her Sandringham estate. Palace officials on Friday night confirmed Harry's family was in Canada but did not provide details.

Meghan lived in Canada for many years before she married Harry while she was filming the TV series Suits. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the family with a tweet. "Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we're all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada," he said. "You're among friends, and always welcome here."

The couple will spend their first Christmas as parents in Canada. Photo / AP

The couple is taking a break from royal duties. Harry has said that he and his brother Prince William are going in different directions at the moment. He has also complained about intrusive press coverage of his young family.

Harry's decision to spend Christmas away from the rest of the royals comes as his 98-year-old grandfather Prince Philip remains in hospital.

Philip is being "looked after very well but that's all we know", his son Charles has said.

The 98-year-old Duke was flown by helicopter from Sandringham to London for "observation and treatment" for a pre-existing condition on Friday, The Sun reports.

"He's all right — once you get to that age, things don't work as well. He's being looked after very well in hospital," Charles said.

Buckingham Palace has tried to downplay the Duke's stay at the private King Edward VIII Hospital, insisting it was a "precautionary" measure only.

The Mirror has also reported claims the Prince has been seen joking with doctors in hospital as he battles to be fit enough to spend Christmas with the Queen.