The holiday season is often a time for families to reunite, share memories, and spread joy. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest Christmas card seems to have sparked some unwanted drama within the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sent a virtual card to commemorate the holiday on behalf of their Archiwell**. However, eagle-eyed royal fans noticed that their two children, Archie and Lilibet, were missing in **.
Instead, the card features Prince Harry and Meghan Markle smiling and clapping as they compete in the Unconquerable Games in Desseldorf, Germany, earlier this year. While it captures the couple's happy moments, many people believe that it lacks the warmth and family spirit that characterize Christmas cards.
King Charles was reportedly disappointed by this minimalist greeting. As the new monarch, he expressed his desire to spend quality time with his grandchildren and extend an olive branch to repair his relationship with his son. With Archie and Lilibet absent, the newly promoted prince and princess seem to have missed the opportunity to show off their family ties during the holidays.
Meanwhile, royal watchers have criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision on social media. "No children, no family, no friends. The biggest losers in 2023. A disgruntled user commented.
Another sarcastically asked, "Is this their Christmas card?".Where the hell did the kids go?”
Some have even compared it to Prince William and Princess Kate, in which their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, build a snowman together.
Some have even speculated that this could be part of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ongoing anti-** campaign. By removing Archie and Lilibet from the cards, they may be able to protect their children from unnecessary public scrutiny and paparazzi attention – a practice that the couple has fiercely opposed since stepping down from royal duties.
Others, however, believe that the card has no Christmas card meaning at all because it lacks warmth and family focus.
This isn't the first time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's holiday greetings have provoked him. Their 2021 holiday greeting card only showcased a hand-drawn caricature of their monochrome home with illustrations of the trees in the background. While artistic, critics say it lacks a personal touch compared to the traditional ** card. Even their 2020 pregnancy announcement card has caused a surprise by casting a shadow over Memorial Day in the United Kingdom.
It's a bit odd, though, that two proud parents don't put their young children on a card celebrating family and holidays. Lilibet, named after the Queen, recently celebrated her 2nd birthday in June. Archie is now 4 years old, which means the kids are at the best age to participate.
However, there are rumors that the relationship between the couple and the royal family has been strained over the issue of children.
It is said that King Charles was desperate to bond with his grandchildren, especially after the Queen's death. At last month's COP28 climate change summit, he singled out Lilibet and Archie in his speech, the first time he had publicly mentioned them. At the age of 75, being a grandfather can have more meaning. As a result, Charles was reportedly disappointed not to see his next generation of family members in the greetings from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in 2021, King Charles, as the new monarch, had hoped that a common Christmas card would serve as an olive branch. At the same time, they did not attend the recent royal event, which further exacerbated the tension in bilateral relations. The inclusion of Archie and Lilibet in the greeting card may symbolize the willingness to bridge past disputes. But unfortunately, in any case, the consequences will not be like this.
Of course, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have the right to share — or not to share — about their children's ** and privacy. As parents, protecting your offspring comes first. But their decision has undoubtedly frustrated royal loyalists who want to see the Sussex-Windsor dynasty regain unity. Only time will tell if there will be a more traditional family Christmas next year – all in attendance.
Until then, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still seem committed to shaping their public image on their own terms, even in cherished seasonal traditions. While it is understandable to protect Archie and Lily, avoiding the display of this cherished family unit, one can't help but feel that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle missed an opportunity to not only spread the joy of Christmas, but also to extend an olive branch to repair the relationship with the royal family.
At Christmas, it's the spirit of kindness and togetherness that really matters – and sadly, this year's cards lack that spirit in so many ways.