Four Years On, Harry and Meghan Continue to Navigate Public Life on Their Own Terms
Four years after stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain firmly in the public eye. Though their initial departure was framed as a move to escape relentless media scrutiny, critics have pointed to the couple’s continued presence in the spotlight—through tell-all interviews, bestselling memoirs, and high-profile appearances—as evidence that they never truly left it behind.
Still, amid the ongoing attention, one area where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have drawn a firm line is the privacy of their children.
Harry’s longstanding mistrust of the media, shaped by the devastating role paparazzi played in the life and death of his mother, Princess Diana, has heavily influenced the couple’s approach to parenthood. When their son Archie was born in 2019, Harry initially resisted the royal tradition of a formal newborn photo call. He eventually relented, though public appearances of Archie have remained rare ever since. The same goes for their daughter, Lilibet Diana, who was born in California in 2021 and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Glimpses into the Sussexes’ family life have come on their own terms. Their Netflix documentary offered a rare and curated view of their Montecito home life. And for Lilibet’s first birthday, the couple hosted a private picnic at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, sharing only a few select photos with the public.
Most recently, the Sussexes released their 2024 family Christmas card, offering another limited yet heartwarming look into their lives. The card features Archie and Lilibet running into their parents’ arms, with Lili’s striking auburn hair drawing particular attention. The family’s three dogs—Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia—also make a cheerful appearance.
The card includes snapshots from recent family trips to Nigeria and Colombia, with the message:
"On behalf 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."
Despite ongoing speculation and divided public opinion, Harry and Meghan continue to chart a path that blends public engagement with personal boundaries—particularly where their children are concerned.