Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism for allegedly using her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to promote her brand, As Ever. The Duchess of Sussex, who has been known for maintaining a level of privacy regarding her children, is now being accused of leveraging their public appeal to gain sympathy and support for her business ventures and public image.
The controversy erupted after Meghan Markle posted a heartfelt photo on Instagram, where she is seen holding Lilibet in her arms while Archie clings to her leg. She captioned the post, “Every day is a love story.” While the image quickly garnered praise from her loyal followers, who admired the candid moment of motherhood, royal experts and critics wasted no time in accusing Meghan Markle of hypocrisy. Some claim that the Duchess, who has repeatedly voiced concerns about media intrusion into her personal life, is now selectively sharing moments with her children when it benefits her narrative and public relations efforts.
Royal commentator Tom Bower, a longtime critic of Meghan Markle, spoke to MailOnline about the controversy. He stated, “The main charge against Meghan Markle is hypocrisy and crude profiteering from her title. Every venture she undertakes—TV, politics, philanthropy, books, food, and clothes—is ridiculed.” Bower further alleged that Meghan Markle is attempting to cultivate sympathy among American mothers by frequently emphasizing her role as a mom. He argued that her actions are calculated and strategic, designed to generate positive publicity while keeping her brand in the spotlight.
Another royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, also weighed in on the issue, saying, “The Sussexes know anything involving Archie and Lilibet is news. They are obsessive about privacy—except when it suits them. Meghan Markle is ruthless.” Fitzwilliams’ comments echo a growing sentiment among critics who believe the Duchess of Sussex is carefully curating her public persona by selectively sharing personal moments that align with her brand’s messaging.
The backlash has reignited debates over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s stance on privacy. The couple has long been vocal about their struggles with media intrusion, citing their experiences as one of the key reasons they stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States. However, their continued presence in the media, whether through interviews, documentaries, or carefully curated social media posts, has led to accusations of inconsistency. Critics argue that while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry demand privacy, they simultaneously use their personal lives, particularly their children, to maintain relevance and control their public narrative.
One of the major criticisms leveled at Meghan Markle is her approach to balancing privacy and publicity. In 2020, when the couple announced their decision to step down as senior royals, they emphasized their desire to live a more private life away from constant media scrutiny. However, their actions since then—including the high-profile Oprah Winfrey interview, the release of the Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” and Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”—have led many to question whether their stance on privacy is as steadfast as they claim.
The topic of Meghan Markle’s parenting choices has been a recurring subject of debate. While she and Prince Harry have largely kept Archie and Lilibet out of the public eye, occasional glimpses of their children in interviews, social media posts, and documentaries have fueled speculation about their motives. Some royal watchers believe that Meghan Markle is using her children to craft an image of relatability and warmth, particularly for an American audience that values authenticity and family values.
Supporters of Meghan Markle, however, argue that she is simply a mother sharing moments of joy with her children like any other parent. They point out that the Duchess has every right to share images of her family without being subjected to criticism. Many of her fans believe that the scrutiny she faces is unfair and rooted in longstanding biases against her, particularly from the British media. They argue that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been unfairly targeted since their departure from royal life and that the criticism over their handling of privacy is exaggerated.
This latest controversy also raises broader questions about the role of children in public life. Many celebrities and public figures struggle with the challenge of balancing their desire for privacy with the public’s interest in their families. Meghan Markle is not the first high-profile individual to face such scrutiny, and she likely won’t be the last. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of living in the public eye while trying to maintain personal boundaries.
Despite the backlash, Meghan Markle continues to expand her brand and remains a subject of intense public scrutiny. Her business ventures, philanthropic work, and public appearances ensure that she remains a topic of discussion, whether positively or negatively. With the launch of As Ever, Meghan Markle is positioning herself as a lifestyle influencer, and her association with high-profile figures and causes further cements her status as a public figure.
Whether this latest controversy will impact Meghan Markle’s image remains to be seen. While her critics argue that she is capitalizing on her children’s appeal, her supporters believe she is simply navigating the challenges of modern celebrity life. One thing is certain—Meghan Markle’s every move will continue to be analyzed and debated, making her one of the most talked-about figures in contemporary media.
As the debate over Meghan Markle’s use of her children for publicity rages on, it underscores the broader challenges faced by public figures in controlling their narratives. In an era where social media blurs the lines between private and public life, the question of how much personal information should be shared remains a contentious issue. For Meghan Markle, the scrutiny is unlikely to fade anytime soon, and her handling of this controversy may shape public perception of her for years to come.
