Harry And Meghan Face Severe Backlash After Featuring Their Kids In 2024 Holiday Card

“There’s no way those kids on the card are theirs.”

Jesse

• Published in News
• December 21, 2024

The holiday season is here again! It’s a time of mistletoe, endless hot cocoa refills, and, most importantly, the annual unveiling of celebrity Christmas cards. 

While most families are debating whether to use last year’s matching pajamas photo or risk a new one with the dog refusing to sit still, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are on an entirely different playing field. For the Sussexes, even a holiday card can spark a global debate, and this year’s festive greeting was no exception.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, known for their love of mixing royal tradition with their California cool, decided to share a slice of their family life in their 2024 holiday card. Cue the “oohs” and “awws,” right? Not quite. 

Instead, the card lit up social media faster than a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. While some fans swooned over the glimpse of Archie and Lilibet frolicking in an outdoor setting, others wielded their magnifying glasses with the vigor of amateur detectives.

As the world continues its love-hate relationship with Harry and Meghan, this simple holiday card has once again placed their family life in the spotlight—and unleashed a flood of questions about privacy, authenticity, and the fine line between sharing and shielding. 

Let’s break it down—because where the Sussexes are involved, drama isn’t just on the side; it’s the main dish.

Harry and Meghan unveiled their 2024 holiday card, sending warm wishes to fans this joyful season

On December 16, Harry and Meghan shared a collage-style holiday card that included six pictures. Among the snapshots was a rare family portrait: Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, running toward their parents in a serene outdoor setting, accompanied by the family’s three dogs.

This candid moment of Harry and Meghan sharing a kiss proves that romance is always in season

True to form, the Sussexes kept their children’s faces hidden—a decision that reflects their ongoing commitment to privacy.

The accompanying message, a cheerful wish for a joyful holiday season, seemed straightforward enough. Yet, for some online critics, the card was anything but merry.

For the first time in years, their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, made a rare appearance in the family’s holiday photos.

Supporters praised the couple for balancing openness with caution, hailing the card as both heartfelt and protective. Critics, however, questioned everything from the children’s ages to whether the kids in the photo were even truly theirs. 

The charming card features a heartwarming shot of the family of four alongside their three dogs—Guy, Pula, and Momma Mia.

“Something off about that picture. I’m a retired nursery teacher & I’ve never seen a 3-year-old that big & Archie looks like a completely different child-again,” one commenter sniffed.

The debate spiraled into the usual chatter about royal obligations, parenting choices, and—of course—Meghan’s perceived motives. 

Staying true to their commitment to privacy, Archie and Lilibet's faces were kept out of view in all the images

This card marks the first-holiday appearance of Archie and Lilibet in three years, which highlights the Sussexes’ careful approach to raising their children.

It also reminded Harry and Meghan of why they left royal life four years ago: to shield their children from the harsh spotlight of public life.

The holiday card has sparked a whirlwind of intense debate online, with some critics questioning its authenticity and alleging it may be staged.

As Harry has repeatedly emphasized, he’s determined to prevent history from repeating itself. This is a sentiment fueled by his mother, Princess Diana, tragic experience with the media.

Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex reinforced their commitment to protecting their kids

Praise, shade, and a sprinkle of conspiracy theories—nothing stirs up the internet quite like a Sussex family photo.

"Diana woukld be so proud of Harry protecting his family."

Do you think so too?

"There's no way those kids on the card are theirs."

While critics dissect their choices, the couple remains focused on their mission: safeguarding their kids’ privacy and advocating for safer spaces—both online and off. 

Love them or question them, Harry and Meghan’s holiday card does what every great card should do: spark conversation, stir emotions, and, in their case, keep the world talking.

Jesse