Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles nearly four years ago, yet public debate surrounding their decision shows no sign of fading. The couple has consistently explained that their departure was driven by a desire to escape relentless media scrutiny and build a more private life.
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| Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images |
Critics, however, have questioned that explanation, noting that Harry and Meghan have remained firmly in the spotlight through headline-making interviews, bestselling books, and public appearances that, to some, resemble the very royal duties they left behind.
Even so, the Sussexes have drawn a clear line when it comes to their children, making deliberate efforts to keep Archie and Lilibet largely out of public view.
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| Netflix |
Prince Harry’s fraught relationship with the media is well known. He has often spoken about his belief that the aggressive pursuit of his mother, Princess Diana, by paparazzi played a role in her tragic death—an experience that deeply shaped his approach to privacy.
When their son Archie was born, Harry initially resisted sharing details with the public. Ultimately, he and Meghan followed royal tradition by introducing their newborn outside London’s Portland Hospital. At the time, they released a statement saying, “Today, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family.”
Since then, only a limited number of photos of Archie have been released, a pattern that continued after the birth of their daughter, Lilibet, in the United States.
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| Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images |
That level of privacy shifted somewhat with the release of the couple’s six-part Netflix documentary, which offered rare, intimate glimpses into their family life at their Montecito, California, home—often described as “Fort Knox” due to its tight security. The series included seldom-seen footage of both Archie and Lilibet, giving viewers a closer look at the young siblings.
When Lilibet celebrated her first birthday, the Sussexes marked the occasion with a small picnic at Frogmore Cottage, their former UK residence. Photos from the gathering were later shared on social media.
Beyond moments like these, sightings of Archie and Lilibet have remained rare—until recently. In December 2024, Harry and Meghan released their family Christmas card, which featured six personal photos, including one that offered a glimpse of their children.
Many observers were quick to notice Lilibet’s striking auburn hair.
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| Archewell |
The festive card also showcased the family’s three dogs—Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia—along with images from the couple’s travels, including trips to Nigeria and Colombia.
The message accompanying the card read: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a joyful New Year.”
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| Archewell |
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