In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, officially stepped back from their roles as senior working members of the British Royal Family. Their stated goal was to pursue a life of greater independence and privacy for themselves and their children, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
Since then, the couple has relocated to Montecito, California, and established the Archewell Foundation, focusing on issues such as mental health, online safety, and community impact. While the Sussexes initially limited public access to their children’s images, their approach has shifted in recent months, sparking public and media commentary.
This article examines the verified facts regarding the couple’s decisions, their public statements on child safety online, and how their actions align with their stated values — without engaging in speculation or personal judgment.
Sources: BBC News, The New York Times, Archewell Foundation, Royal.uk
A Timeline of Privacy Choices for Archie and Lilibet
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Archie, in May 2019 while they were still active working royals. Their daughter, Lilibet, was born in June 2021 in California. Since their births, the couple has maintained a cautious approach to media coverage, particularly where their children are concerned.
In keeping with their privacy-focused philosophy, the Sussexes rarely released images of their children during their early years. Most public glimpses were offered during significant moments, such as the family’s 2022 holiday card and their Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” released in December 2022.
These carefully curated appearances were consistent with their public remarks advocating for digital safety and a balanced presence in the public eye, especially for minors.
Sources: Netflix, Archewell Productions, CNN
Public Advocacy for Online Child Safety
The Duke and Duchess have long been vocal about their concerns regarding children’s exposure to online risks. Through the Archewell Foundation, they have supported and collaborated with organizations such as the Center for Humane Technology and Aspen Institute’s Commission on Information Disorder to promote healthier online ecosystems.
In an Archewell podcast appearance in 2024, Meghan Markle emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s digital experiences. She noted the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are protected from potential harms, including exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying.
Prince Harry, a father of two, also shared his concerns about the mental health challenges faced by youth in the digital age. Speaking at the Mental Health in the Digital Age Summit, he addressed the need for platforms to introduce stronger safeguards, especially for underage users.
Sources: Archewell Foundation, Aspen Institute, BBC News
Recent Developments: Sharing Family Moments Online
In 2025, Meghan Markle shared a Father’s Day video on her verified Instagram account, showing Prince Harry spending time with Archie and Lilibet. The post, which featured candid moments such as the family playing outdoors and celebrating the occasion together, marked one of the most personal glimpses of the children shared by the couple to date.
The post was widely shared and covered by mainstream media outlets including People Magazine and The Times, sparking discussion about how the couple’s approach to privacy has evolved.
It is important to recognize that the sharing of such images has occurred under the couple’s direct control — on verified platforms, without third-party intrusion, and in alignment with content standards. No official statements have been released by the couple regarding a formal change in policy, but it reflects a growing trend among public figures to manage their own narratives by directly publishing content.
Sources: People Magazine, The Times UK
Balancing Privacy and Public Engagement
The concept of privacy in the digital age is nuanced, particularly for high-profile families. Legal experts and digital rights advocates acknowledge that choosing to share selective moments does not necessarily conflict with a broader desire for privacy. Rather, it can be seen as an effort to maintain agency over how personal stories are told.
By limiting access to professional photographers and tabloid outlets while sharing occasional family moments on their own terms, Harry and Meghan appear to be exercising this balance. Digital media analysts have noted that many public figures, including athletes, actors, and politicians, adopt similar strategies to reduce speculation and retain control over their image.
Moreover, the couple has not commercialized these personal images. There is no evidence that they are monetizing social media posts featuring their children, nor are they using the content in paid campaigns. The Archewell Foundation remains a registered non-profit, with publicly disclosed goals and activities centered on service, community, and technology ethics.
Sources: Electronic Frontier Foundation, Charity Commission for England and Wales
Reactions from Media and Public Figures
Several media outlets and commentators have expressed differing views regarding the Sussexes’ evolving online presence. Some analysts see it as a reasonable shift reflective of changing family dynamics and a more relaxed approach to digital storytelling. Others have questioned whether this contradicts previous public stances about media exposure.
It’s important to distinguish between subjective commentary and verifiable actions. As of June 2025, the Sussexes have made no public claim of permanent withdrawal from all media activity. Rather, their communications emphasize responsible storytelling, mental health awareness, and digital literacy, particularly in relation to children and families.
Without official statements confirming a reversal in privacy philosophy, such interpretations remain speculative. Therefore, the focus should remain on the couple’s actual practices and documented commitments.
Sources: Reuters, Forbes, NPR
Protecting Children in a Digital World
Globally, children’s rights advocates are calling for more robust protections in digital environments. Organizations like UNICEF and the OECD have released guidelines encouraging parents to model responsible sharing and digital literacy.
By selectively posting family moments, Meghan and Harry contribute to a larger dialogue about how public figures can set an example of controlled exposure. Their visibility has also supported international campaigns for improved online safety laws, content moderation, and parental awareness initiatives.
It is essential to assess public figures’ actions within the broader framework of their advocacy and social impact, rather than applying inconsistent or contradictory standards based on individual preferences or assumptions.
Sources: UNICEF Digital Policy Brief, OECD Child Well-being Reports
Conclusion: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Parenting in the Public Eye
As of mid-2025, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to raise their children while managing the demands of public life, digital communication, and social responsibility. Their evolving approach to sharing images of Archie and Lilibet reflects both a personal choice and a broader awareness of how modern families navigate the intersection of privacy and connection.
With a consistent commitment to online safety, mental health, and responsible communication, the couple remains active in promoting digital well-being for all children, including their own. Whether or not their choices invite debate, the facts show a deliberate and controlled use of media — grounded in their values and advocacy work.
Reputable Sources Consulted:
- BBC News
- Archewell Foundation
- UNICEF
- The Times UK
- People Magazine
- Reuters
- Electronic Frontier Foundation
- OECD
- Netflix
- Charity Commission UK
