Whispers from across the pond suggest a potential divergence in opinion between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle regarding the visibility of their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. According to Matt Wilkinson, a royal editor at The Sun, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly “not overly happy” with his wife’s alleged use of their young family to promote her burgeoning lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Tensions Brewing in Montecito? Report Suggests Prince Harry Uneasy with Meghan Markle’s Use of Children for Brand Promotion
Speaking on a recent episode of “A Right Royal Podcast,” Wilkinson claimed that the Sussexes hold differing views on sharing glimpses of Archie and Lilibet with the public. He suggested that Prince Harry, 40, harbors a strong desire to keep his children out of the spotlight.
“My understanding of this is that up to a certain stage Harry would much rather his children were not seen,” Wilkinson stated, adding, “He doesn’t want them to be [photographed]. He’s got this idea that if he takes them outside of Montecito, that there is a hoard of us out there trying to take photos of his kids.”
This perspective, according to Wilkinson, contrasts with Meghan Markle’s alleged desires. The 43-year-old Duchess, having grown up in California, reportedly envisions a more relaxed, “California-style lifestyle” for her children, one that includes outings to the beach and more public engagement. “She doesn’t want to hide them away,” Wilkinson claimed.
While acknowledging that Markle has refrained from showing Archie and Lilibet’s faces in the images she has shared, Wilkinson suggested that the very inclusion of her children in her social media posts serves to bolster her brand as a mother and “homemaker.” This subtle showcasing, the royal editor alleges, is where the potential friction with Prince Harry lies. “Harry is probably not overly happy,” he surmised.
It’s worth noting that representatives for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have yet to respond to requests for comment on these claims.
In recent months, coinciding with the launch and promotion of As Ever, Meghan has indeed offered more glimpses into her family life. This includes a Valentine’s Day video featuring her children making desserts, a tender photograph of her daughter and Harry relaxing on a boat, and a promotional shot for As Ever that subtly showcased Archie and Lilibet’s distinctive red hair as they stood in a garden.
Interestingly, Archie and Lilibet did not make any appearances in Meghan’s recent Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” which premiered in March, although Prince Harry did make a brief cameo. This absence from her dedicated media project, coupled with the carefully curated glimpses on social media, could be interpreted in various ways, perhaps even hinting at a compromise between differing parental preferences.
Ultimately, the veracity of Wilkinson’s claims remains unconfirmed. However, the report paints a picture of potential internal debate within the Sussex household regarding the delicate balance between their desire for privacy and the demands of building and maintaining a public brand, particularly when it involves their young children. Whether this alleged difference in opinion will lead to further public discussion or remain a private family matter remains to be seen.
