The Sussexes spent Christmas in California. (Image: Instagram/@meghan, Netflix)

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet enjoyed a chill Christmas filled with “magic” with their parents, as revealed by their mum, Meghan Markle.

In what was her first Christmas message, which she sent out hours before the King’s annual festive broadcast, the Duchess of Sussex spoke about how she spent her Christmas Eve with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, while she also revealed their Christmas Day plans.

Meghan said the family enjoyed dim sum while she and Harry wrapped and placed the Christmas presents under the tree for their children to find the morning, in a bid to “maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.”

She said: “Last night, I was nibbling the remnants of our Christmas Eve feast (dim sum this year), wrapping a few last minute gifts, and tip toe-ing down the stairs with my husband to make sure ‘Santa’ had enjoyed his cookies and ‘the reindeer’ had eaten their carrots – anything to maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.”

The Duchess added that the Sussex family will enjoy a chill day on Christmas, wearing pyjamas and playing board games, including Scrabble, Sequence and Candyland for the children, while listening to music.

Meghan wrote: “I plan to spend today cuddled up with my family – maybe pyjamas all day, some Scrabble or Sequence (or Candyland for the kids), music playing, candles flickering, dogs snoring, endless grazing; the laughter, the sidebars, the deep breaths (you know the ones), the fun, and the memories.

“I hope that whether you’re cozied up in your pajamas like we are, or dressed to the nines, whether you’re with a huge gathering, with your partner, your kids, or on your own – wherever you happen to find yourself today reading this note – that you know I am wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and all the blessings that come with it.

“From my family to yours – Happy Holidays!”

The Duchess had not issued a similar type of message since she married into the Royal Family, and following her exit.

It came just hours before the Royal Family headed to the annual Christmas Day church service in Sandringham before the King’s festive broadcast later in the day.

This year, the King has chosen Westminster Abbey as the location for his Christmas broadcast, which featured the key theme of pilgrimage.

Charles promoted forgiveness and compassion in his fourth festive message of the reign, delivered on Christmas Day, and the second was staged outside a royal residence.