Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Disneyland in California over the weekend to mark their daughter Lilibet's fourth birthday, creating a moment that echoed Princess Diana's memorable 1993 theme park outing with her young sons.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to the Anaheim park, approximately 90 minutes from their Montecito home, for what Meghan described on Instagram as "two days of pure bliss."
The family celebration included rides on various attractions and breaks for corn dogs, with the couple's visit drawing immediate comparisons to Diana's famous trip to Disneyland Florida with William and Harry 32 years ago.
The most striking parallel emerged when the Sussex family boarded Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the attraction that replaced Splash Mountain.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry echo Princess Diana's iconic family outing.
Instagram via @meghan / Getty
Prince Harry was photographed holding both his children in his arms whilst navigating the log-shaped ride.
This moment immediately recalled the iconic 1993 photograph of Princess Diana on Splash Mountain with young William and Harry during their Florida visit. That image, showing the late Princess of Wales experiencing the water ride with her sons, became one of the most famous photographs capturing Diana's hands-on approach to motherhood.
The visual similarity between the two family outings, separated by more than three decades, was quickly noted by observers.
Diana's 1993 Florida visit occurred following her separation from then-Prince Charles the previous year. The royal party was discreetly guided through underground tunnels to reach Splash Mountain, which was made private for their visit.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry taking their children to Disneyland.
Instagram / @meghan
The Princess of Wales had already been photographed at another theme park earlier that spring. At Thorpe Park in southwest London, she wore a black bomber jacket whilst riding a log-shaped vehicle with her sons.
Prince Harry sat in front of her as she attempted to keep him in position, whilst Prince William was captured laughing. The trio emerged completely drenched from the water ride.
The Sussex family's weekend celebration marked Lilibet's birthday on June 4 with what Meghan called "two days of pure bliss" on her Instagram account.
The Duchess shared glimpses of their Disneyland experience, which included thrilling rides and casual dining breaks.
Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Prince William at Thorpe Park in 1992.
Getty
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Prince Harry and Princess Diana on a rubber dinghy at Thorpe Park.
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The family's visit to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which succeeded the original Splash Mountain attraction, created a memorable parallel to Diana's 1993 outing.
Unlike the private arrangements made for Diana's visit through underground tunnels, the Sussexes appeared to enjoy a more typical guest experience at the California park.
The weekend trip from their Montecito residence provided a celebratory backdrop for their daughter's special day.
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