
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent holiday card has sparked some debate, particularly concerning their stance on protecting their children’s privacy. The card, which gives a rare glimpse into the Sussexes’ life in California, includes a subtle introduction of their newest family member, Mia, a 9-year-old beagle rescued from an animal testing facility. However, what has caught the public’s attention is not the dog, but the inclusion of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the image.
The photo shows the royal children running toward their parents, with their faces cleverly obscured — Lilibet facing her father and Archie mid-sprint to his mother. While the children are not fully visible, their appearance in a public Christmas card raises eyebrows given that Harry and Meghan have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining their children’s privacy and safety. Critics have pointed out the seeming contradiction between this holiday card and the couple’s past actions, particularly Harry’s outspoken concerns about exposing his children to the public eye.
In the past, Prince Harry has been firm in his refusal to publicly showcase his children, citing the potential risks to their safety and his desire to give them as normal a life as possible. A close friend of Harry even shared that the Duke was “reluctant” to show his children not to hide them, but to protect them from the dangers of fame. His protective nature over their privacy has been one of his key talking points in recent years, especially when it comes to threats like kidnapping.
This shift in approach, with the public release of a family photo featuring the children, has fueled criticisms, as it seems to contradict the values Harry has long championed. However, the card also reflects the Sussexes’ desire to connect with the public during the holiday season, sharing moments from their personal and professional lives. Besides the photo of their children and pets, the card also includes images of Meghan with a young girl and Harry visiting a hospital.
Interestingly, while the holiday card echoes the tradition of senior royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton who often release similar cards, it also highlights the Sussexes’ unique position. Despite stepping back from royal duties nearly five years ago, they continue to engage in public initiatives like this one, offering a snapshot of their lives in the U.S.
Moreover, the inclusion of their children on the card also ties into broader concerns Harry has raised about their safety. Just months ago, he made headlines for his unsuccessful attempt to secure police protection when visiting the UK with his family, a request that reportedly strained his relationship with his father, King Charles. As a result, the Duke has minimized his visits to the UK and refrained from bringing Meghan and the children.
While the Sussexes’ holiday card might seem harmless at first glance, the decision to feature their children in this context could be seen as undermining the privacy protections Harry has worked so hard to establish for them.