
Prince Harry might not be speaking to his father, King Charles, these days, but it seems like he’s found a clever way to send a message through his and Meghan’s Christmas card. Some observers even think it could be a subtle dig at the monarch—a recurring theme in Harry’s recent actions.
Every year, Harry and Meghan release an official Christmas card, often featuring snapshots from their family life. This year’s card includes six photos capturing moments from the Sussex family’s year, including a rare sight: their children, Archie and Lilibet. Known for fiercely protecting their kids’ privacy, the couple made this year’s card stand out by giving the world a glimpse of their family dynamic.
At the center of the card is a heartwarming photo of Harry, Meghan, and their children. The picture shows Archie and Lilibet running toward their parents, who are reaching out to embrace them. On the surface, it’s an innocent family moment—but could there be more to the image than meets the eye?
Body language expert Judi James believes so. She describes the image as showcasing “tactile family love,” with the Sussexes presenting themselves as deeply loving and attentive parents. This marks a notable evolution from their earlier Christmas cards, like their first one with Archie. Back then, the baby was the focus, with Harry and Meghan more passively adoring in the background. This year’s card flips the script, putting family togetherness front and center.
According to James, the card could carry a subtle message that might sting King Charles. Harry has spoken openly about feeling emotionally neglected by his father, especially in his memoir, Spare. He recalls how Charles didn’t even hug him after the tragic death of Princess Diana, writing, “Pa didn’t hug me. He wasn’t great at showing emotions under normal circumstances. How could he be expected to show them in such a crisis?”
The photo seems to underline how Harry has grown as a father, offering a stark contrast to what he experienced as a child. By displaying such a warm, affectionate moment with his kids, Harry might be sending a subtle message: this is the kind of emotionally available parent he has become—something he feels Charles wasn’t for him.
The card also highlights Harry’s role as the dominant figure in the family, according to Judi James. She notes that these poses often position Harry as both the hero adored by Meghan and the strong, central presence in their family dynamic. This perception aligns with observations from their Netflix docuseries, where Harry frequently took the lead.
Ultimately, the Sussexes’ Christmas card is a snapshot of their family life, but it also seems to carry an underlying narrative. Whether it’s a direct dig at King Charles or simply Harry showcasing how far he’s come, the card reflects a deliberate effort to emphasize the bond and love within their family—something Harry has made clear he prioritizes.