This year marks a special Christmas for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who eagerly await their fifth and third celebrations, respectively. As the beloved children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their innocence shields them—for now—from the ongoing family theatrics that captivate the world.
Once again, this holiday season, Archie and Lilibet won’t be joining their cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, nor will they be spending time with their granddad King Charles or Uncle Prince William. The tensions within the royal circle persist, and from what we hear, Harry and Meghan haven’t been invited to Sandringham for Christmas.
Nevertheless, the Sussexes are undoubtedly going to make it a joyful holiday at home. They’ve spread some festive spirit by releasing their very own Christmas card, capturing beautiful moments of Archie and Lilibet, much to the delight of their supporters. However, it didn’t take long for some online to start questioning whether the image had been edited.
Just days before Christmas, this new picture has spurred a fresh wave of royal conspiracy theories, reminiscent of the tale of Kate Middleton’s doctored Mother’s Day image earlier this year.
Throughout this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to downplay their public statements regarding the Royal Family in favor of their career pursuits. Yet, rumors and drama lingered, leading to speculation about cracks in their marriage as they appeared solo at several events.
Harry has denied these rumors, and experts agree the Sussexes are wise to explore their own paths individually, in addition to their united public presence.
While Meghan channels her efforts into her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, Harry remains passionate in his involvement with the Invictus Games. More important to them, however, is their commitment to their roles as parents to Archie and Lilibet. Although they rarely shy away from the public eye, they have opted for a more private upbringing for their children.
Aside from a brief appearance in their parents’ Netflix series last year, the couple has shared very few glimpses of Archie and Lilibet with the public. This choice prioritizes their children’s privacy above all. But there’s more to the story than just privacy concerns.
According to an anonymous insider who spoke to US Magazine, Harry and Meghan keep their little ones hidden for important security reasons.
“While William’s kids have greater security measures despite being in the spotlight, the same doesn’t apply to Meghan and Harry’s children,” the friend noted. “They understand the global curiosity but aim for a low-key existence until the situation is hopefully resolved.”
As described by Express, a source revealed to People Magazine: “Harry exercises caution in showcasing his children, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.”
He desires them to lead normal lives, devoid of the fears of kidnapping or harm. As a devoted father and husband, Harry is determined to prevent history from repeating itself.
Archie & Lilibet: Growing Up Away From the Spotlight
While Harry and Meghan have control over their children’s lives for now, that won’t always be the case. Sources told the Daily Express that they have a plan for Archie and Lilibet’s future.
According to a highly credible Express source, as the children turn 18, they will have full freedom to choose their own paths.
“The goal is to keep them away from public scrutiny until they can form their own identities and opinions,” the source explained. “When they’re of age, they’ll have the freedom to pursue their interests, becoming more like the cool cousins abroad, whereas the children of Wales will likely embrace more formal roles.”
A Us Weekly insider shared heartwarming insights into their lives, describing Archie and Lilibet as “well-mannered.” The source noted Archie’s “sweet, curious, and playful nature,” and highlighted Lilibet’s “vibrant and happy spirit.” This Christmas season is sure not to dampen the spirits of these delightful children.
Like their royal kin, Harry and Meghan sent their own warm holiday wishes to fans everywhere. Their message, “We wish you a very happy holiday season,” appeared alongside six evocative images.
New Photos Stir Excitement and Speculation
The holiday montage included images from their trips to Nigeria and Colombia, but it was the final picture that truly caught everyone’s attention. It showed Archie and Lilibet joyfully walking towards their parents, arms open wide, all smiles. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a look.
Excitement buzzed on social media upon seeing the young royal offspring after what seemed like years.
“The kids have grown so much!” one user on Daily Mail commented.
“Such big kids now,” added another, noting the little ones’ growing resemblance to their father.
Some fans couldn’t help but gush, “Our redheads get more adorable every year!”
Despite these wholesome reactions, the new photo has become the fodder for yet another royal photo conspiracy. On social platforms, closely following the controversy over Kate Middleton’s photo, users scrutinized the image for signs of manipulation.
Conspiracy Theories or Holiday Cheer?
Claims of digital trickery included accusations that Lilibet’s hair might have been tampered with, according to The Mirror.
“Only Meghan’s in focus—must be a phony pic,” speculated a user.
Others bizarrely suggested that the image was created using AI or even featured “borrowed” children in place of the real Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
But is this photo really fake? The Daily Mail consulted Photoshop specialist James Middleton, who has no tie to the royal family, to analyze the card.
“Determining authenticity is nearly impossible,” he concluded, noting its small size makes analysis challenging, unlike previous controversial images, such as Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day picture.
An Instagram-Perfect Christmas Card
Middleton mentioned, “Aspects like Meghan’s possibly painted look might be effects of lighting.”
Photographer Glenn Gratton, head of W8 Media, added that the image indeed appears “staged” but not necessarily doctored.
“Everything about it screams picture-perfect,” Gratton described. “The Sussexes and their dogs on a bright Californian day create a scene straight out of Instagram. This is not an AI image, but most likely a retouched one like any polished Christmas card.”
Harry and Meghan often find themselves entangled in media turmoil. Such was the case during their heavily criticized visit to Nigeria, and again when they faced questions about choosing Colombia over the UK due to safety concerns.
While trying to bolster their public image, criticism—large and small—remains ever-present. The nuances of their Christmas card, notably excluding the word “Christmas,” have sparked mild controversy.
GB News reported that several fans buttressed their displeasure on social media.
“Many felt leaving out ‘Christmas’ undermines the true spirit of the season,” grumbled one follower.
Others questioned if their message “more closely resembled a promotional flyer than a holiday card.”
Do you think Archie and Lilibet will forge connections with their Royal relatives later in life? Or will they choose another path? Share this with friends and let us know your thoughts!
