As Christmas approaches, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are preparing to celebrate their fifth and third holidays, respectively. While the two young children are likely unaware of the ongoing drama surrounding their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their lives remain heavily scrutinized by the public. This Christmas, just like in previous years, the children will not be spending the holiday with their cousins—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—or other members of the royal family, such as King Charles or Prince William. The ongoing rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royals continues, and reports suggest that the Sussexes have not been invited to spend Christmas at Sandringham.
A Special Christmas Card and New Photo of Archie and Lilibet
Despite the ongoing family tension, Harry and Meghan are sure to have a joyful Christmas together. Recently, the couple released their annual Christmas card, accompanied by several photos, including a new image of their children, Archie and Lilibet. This new photo was warmly received by fans, who expressed excitement over seeing the young royals again after several years. However, soon after its release, social media users began speculating that the image might have been altered, giving rise to a new conspiracy theory about the Sussexes’ photo.
Privacy and Security Concerns for Archie and Lilibet
Harry and Meghan have been notably protective of their children’s privacy, rarely sharing images of them with the public. This is partly due to security concerns, with sources close to the couple explaining that their children face different risks compared to other royal children. An anonymous friend of the Sussexes revealed to US Magazine that Harry and Meghan cannot share pictures of their children as freely as other royals because of the potential security risks they face. The couple’s main priority is to ensure that Archie and Lilibet can live as normal a life as possible, free from the fears of kidnapping or harm, and Harry is particularly determined to protect them from any dangers, especially considering the traumatic history surrounding his own family.
The Sussexes’ Future Plans for Their Children
As part of their commitment to privacy, Harry and Meghan have consciously chosen to keep their children out of the public eye until they are old enough to make their own decisions. A source revealed to Express that the couple plans to give Archie and Lilibet more freedom once they turn 18, allowing them to choose their own paths and decide how involved they wish to be in public life. This approach reflects the couple’s desire for their children to form their own personalities and opinions away from the glare of the media. The couple’s plan is in stark contrast to the more formal and duty-bound future of other royal children, like those of Prince William.
Conspiracy Theories Surround the Sussexes’ Christmas Card
Despite the heartwarming nature of their Christmas card, it did not escape the scrutiny of royal watchers. The final photo in the series, which featured Archie and Lilibet walking toward their parents, sparked new conspiracy theories online. Some social media users suggested that the image had been digitally altered, pointing out what they believed were inconsistencies, such as strange hair textures or unusual lighting. These claims were quickly debunked by experts, but the speculation only added to the ongoing drama surrounding the couple. Photographer Glenn Gratton weighed in, describing the photo as “staged,” though he did not believe it had been manipulated. He suggested that, like many holiday photos, it had likely been retouched but was not necessarily fake.
Public Backlash Over Missing ‘Christmas’ in Holiday Card
The Sussexes’ Christmas card was further criticized for not including the word “Christmas” in the greeting. Some fans expressed their disappointment, claiming that the omission of the word was offensive to Christians and detracted from the spirit of the holiday. Others went as far as to say that the card looked more like a promotional brochure than a traditional Christmas greeting. This backlash reflects the couple’s continuing struggle to balance their public image with their personal beliefs, as they navigate their roles both as parents and former royals.
