Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life in the U.S. looks nothing like the one they left behind in the U.K.—especially when it comes to raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Now, they’re doing so away from the constant media spotlight, the relentless paparazzi, and the public scrutiny that comes with being part of the Royal Family.
Recently, though, Meghan has started to share more photos of her kids—though she continues to keep their faces hidden. But a new image of Harry and Lilibet has stirred controversy, leaving some fans outraged. It’s even raised questions: are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex breaking any laws?
From the beginning, Harry and Meghan have kept Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet out of the public eye. The children have never been seen at official events with their parents and have little to no relationship with members of the Royal Family.
Archie was only a year old when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the U.S., and Lilibet was born after the move. While Archie did get to meet his grandfather, King Charles, his uncle Prince William, and his cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, he didn’t live in the U.K. long enough to build lasting bonds.
Many royal commentators have criticized the Sussexes for keeping their children apart from their British relatives. Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, has also been vocal in his disapproval, accusing the couple of denying Archie and Lilibet the chance to know their royal heritage.
“They are getting to the age where they will start to ask questions, as all kids do,” Markle told New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, according to The Sun.
“I find myself wondering how Archie and Lilibet will feel in a few years’ time when they realise all the things they have missed out on,” he added.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet
Archie and Lilibet are expected to grow up surrounded by luxury, but as they get older, they’ll likely become more aware of the ongoing rift between their parents and the Royal Family. A source close to the Sussexes told Us Weekly that Harry and Meghan will have “those conversations in due time” about their children’s royal roots. However, for the moment, traveling to the UK to visit royal relatives isn’t an option.
One major contrast between Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and their cousins—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—is the level of public exposure. William and Kate’s children have grown up very much in the spotlight. Unfortunately, they haven’t had the chance to build a relationship with Harry and Meghan’s kids. Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun that the situation is “very sad.”
“It’s not thought that George Charlotte and Louis have ever met Archie and Lilibet,” Dampier said, noting that the one possible opportunity for them to meet at Windsor didn’t happen.
“Although they were invited to Lilibet’s first birthday party at Frogmore Cottage, they did not go,” Dampier continued. “In many ways the children of Zara and Mike Tindall have replaced Archie and Lilibet as the closest cousins of George, Charlotte, and Louis.”
The royal expert wrapped up with a sobering thought: “It’s something Archie and Lilibet are missing out on and you just wonder if in years to come, when they grow up, they will start asking their parents why they are estranged from the royal family.”
So, why haven’t Harry and Meghan brought their children to the UK to meet their cousins, their uncle, or even their grandfather? The answer is fairly straightforward: the Duke and Duchess are reportedly concerned about safety, as they no longer receive the royal privilege of taxpayer-funded security.
King Charles “heartbroken” over his non-relationship with Archie & Lilibet
In April, Prince Harry is expected to challenge a High Court decision that upheld the removal of publicly funded security for him and his family.
“He wants to ensure the safety of himself and his family while in the U.K. so his children can know his home country and so he can help support his patronages and their important work,” a friend close to Harry and Meghan told Us Weekly back in January.
Another relationship facing strain is that between King Charles and his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. The King hasn’t seen his American grandkids in years, and according to reports, he’s “heartbroken” over the distance.
A source shared with the Daily Mail: “While he is sorry that he does not have a relationship with his grandchildren in America, it is easier for his peace of mind that there’s an ocean between him and Harry.”
Whether Archie and Lilibet will grow up having a bond with their grandfather remains uncertain, and much of it hinges on whether Harry and Meghan regain their paid security. If King Charles does get the chance to reconnect with them, he may find they share a surprising common interest.
On Meghan Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle and cooking series With Love, Meghan, the Duchess revealed that both Archie and Lilibet have developed a passion for gardening—just like their grandfather.
She shared that they “take their gardening very seriously,” even having their own little tools. Archie and Lilibet love being outdoors, a trait they clearly share with King Charles. Meghan also mentioned that Lilibet enjoys spending time in the kitchen as well.
