Inside Prince Archie's 5th birthday from celebrities joining to party games

Prince Archie is marking his fifth birthday today, and it's expected that his parents have planned a low-key, intimate celebration complete with traditional party games, a delicious cake, and ice cream, according to an expert.

Born in London on 6 May 2019, the young Royal has been characterised by author Tom Quinn as "a real live-wire who loves rushing around at top speed".

The royal commentator suggested that Blind Man's Bluff might be among the activities at the bash, which is anticipated to include classmates, his grandmother Doria Ragland, and possibly some celebrity neighbours from Montecito.

In a chat with The Mirror, Mr Quinn revealed that Meghan Markle takes great pleasure in organising her children's birthdays, yet she insists on keeping them "very private affairs" to allow Archie and Lilibet to enjoy "the more ordinary things in life". He elaborated: "When it comes to her children's birthdays, Meghan is almost obsessed with the idea that they should be quiet, very private affairs, with simple games, a birthday cake and ice cream.

"Archie is a real live-wire who loves rushing around at top speed so there will also be blind man's bluff and tag among other games. Meghan combines a deep sense of her own global importance in the wider world with a desire to make her children experience what she sees as the more ordinary things in life."

"So, for Archie's birthday, there will be friends from school, Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and one or two celebrities - any celebrity neighbour with a child the same age, and that includes actors Katie Perry and Orlando Bloom and their daughter Daisy will definitely be invited."

Last year, Meghan planned a "low-key" birthday party for Archie at home which he enjoyed with his family as his sister, Lilibet, who turned two in June, also joined in the fun.

The celebrations were small and intimate, with only Archie's grandmother, Doria Ragland, and Meghan's close friend, Victoria Jackson, in attendance. In a special touch, Meghan baked a lemon cake for Archie using fruit from their garden, a source said.

The couple's £11million home in Montecito was decorated for the occasion, with balloons and streamers adding to the festive atmosphere.

This year, Meghan might be donning her apron once more to whip up a homemade birthday cake for her son, Royal commentator Ingrid Seward has speculated. She also hinted at an eco-conscious celebration, telling The Sun: "a complete ban on all plastics and a request for no plastic presents."

Ms Seward elaborated on the lavish nature of such events, saying: "These parties cost a fortune. Even parents with ordinary incomes spend a lot. It can cost £30 a head in the UK just for the entertainers! ".

Delving into the potential gifts for Archie, Ms Seward suggested: "As I said no plastic... Fancy wooden toys, books. Maybe a five year old size jeep or tractor but could not be plastic and [would] have to be made of metal or wood. Very expensive as it would have to be custom-made."

She mused about the competitive gift-giving among LA parents, contrasting it with the royal approach: "I am sure some of the LA parents will try and outdo each other on presents. But not the royals. They are pretty parsimonious as far as presents go. It's hard to find nonplastic presents for small children so it is anyone's guess."

Regarding shopping destinations for the young royal's gifts, Ms Seward remarked: "The Harrods toy department hardly exists anymore so it will be something from Hamleys for King Charles to give him I would imagine. Queen Camilla will have chosen it. Also the godparents will be giving presents and sending from the UK."