In the ever-evolving saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, public perception has taken a sharp turn. Once celebrated as a modern royal couple breaking free from tradition, they now face accusations of orchestrating a calculated campaign to stay in the spotlight. Social media buzz and online commentary suggest that the couple is leveraging every opportunity— including glimpses of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—to maintain relevance and boost their personal brand. This perception has ignited debates about their intentions, privacy concerns, and the delicate balance between public life and parenting. As their actions continue to polarize opinions, the question remains: are Harry and Meghan genuinely sharing their lives, or is this a strategic play for fame? Let’s dive into the controversy, exploring their recent moves, the public’s reaction, and what it all means for their future.

A New Chapter in Montecito: Social Media Resurgence

Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020 and relocating to Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have redefined their public personas. After a period of relative quiet, Meghan relaunched her Instagram account, @meghan, on New Year’s Day 2025, marking a bold return to social media. Her posts, often polished and personal, offer glimpses into their family life, from beach outings to birthday celebrations for their children, Archie (born May 2019) and Lilibet (born June 2021). These moments, while heartwarming to some, have sparked skepticism among others who view them as carefully curated PR moves.

For instance, Meghan’s recent Instagram activity includes a video collage from a family trip to Disneyland to celebrate Lilibet’s fourth birthday in June 2025. The post, featuring joyful images of the couple on Space Mountain and Lilibet’s birthday festivities, was captioned with gratitude for “two days of pure joy.” Similarly, a black-and-white photo of Harry walking with Archie and carrying Lilibet on his shoulders was shared after Harry’s controversial BBC interview about his father’s health, interpreted by some as a strategic distraction from negative press. These posts, while seemingly innocuous, have fueled speculation that the couple is deliberately crafting a narrative to stay relevant.

The Children in the Spotlight: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the most contentious aspects of the couple’s recent activities is their decision to share images and videos of Archie and Lilibet. Historically, Harry and Meghan have emphasized their desire to protect their children’s privacy, a stance rooted in Harry’s concerns about safety and media intrusion, influenced by his mother Princess Diana’s experiences. A friend of the couple once noted that Harry’s reluctance to share images of his children stemmed from a desire to shield them from potential threats and ensure a normal upbringing. Yet, their recent social media posts appear to contradict this approach, prompting accusations of hypocrisy.

For example, to mark Lilibet’s fourth birthday, Meghan shared a video of herself and Harry dancing in a hospital room before Lilibet’s birth, alongside rare photos of their daughter. Similarly, Archie’s sixth birthday in May 2025 was celebrated with a sunset photo and the caption, “Our son. Our sun.” While these posts were met with affection from supporters, critics argued that the selective sharing of their children’s images—often from behind or in low-quality formats—is a calculated tactic to generate intrigue without fully exposing them. A royal expert cited in Express.co.uk called this approach “bizarre” and “not logical,” suggesting it creates confusion about their privacy stance.

Public sentiment on platforms like X reflects this divide. Some users, like @QLoTII, have claimed that Harry and Meghan “crave public attention,” pointing to the increased visibility of their children compared to other royals. Others, such as @UKRoyalWatch, speculate that the couple is timing “face reveals” of Archie and Lilibet to overshadow major royal events, like Prince William’s future coronation. These accusations, while unproven, highlight the skepticism surrounding their motives.

Passport Delays and Royal Tensions: A Deeper Context

The controversy over their public image is compounded by reported tensions with the British royal family and government. In June 2025, reports surfaced that Harry and Meghan faced significant delays in obtaining British passports for Archie and Lilibet, waiting nearly six months due to what they believed was interference over their use of HRH titles. The couple, who began using “Prince” and “Princess” for their children after Lilibet’s 2023 christening, reportedly considered changing their surname to Spencer, Princess Diana’s maiden name, to circumvent the issue. This saga, covered by outlets like The Guardian and Daily Mail, fueled perceptions that the couple was using their children’s titles to assert their royal status, further alienating them from the monarchy.

Harry’s public statements have also added fuel to the fire. In a May 2025 BBC interview, he expressed frustration over losing his UK security detail, stating it was “impossible” to bring Meghan and their children back to Britain due to safety concerns. His comments about King Charles’s health and their strained relationship drew criticism for being opportunistic, with some accusing him of exploiting family issues for sympathy. Meghan’s subsequent Instagram posts, showcasing idyllic family moments, were seen by detractors as an attempt to shift focus from these controversies.

The Business of Brand Sussex

Beyond personal posts, Meghan’s social media activity is closely tied to her lifestyle brand, As Ever, launched in 2024. The brand, which initially sold out products like jams and home goods, has faced scrutiny for failing to restock items, raising questions about its viability. Critics argue that Meghan’s family-oriented posts are a marketing tool to bolster the brand’s image, especially as she balances motherhood and entrepreneurship. Her candid discussions about using ancient Indian medicine during pregnancy and the challenges of parenting have resonated with some fans but struck others as performative.

Posts on X, such as one from @dailysamara1, compare Meghan’s brand rollout to the Kardashians, suggesting she pleads for privacy while aggressively pursuing publicity. Others, like @JuliaUnleashed, accuse the couple of embarking on a “frantic PR campaign” to salvage their reputation amid allegations of past controversies, such as bullying claims against Meghan. These sentiments underscore the perception that every move, including sharing family moments, is part of a broader strategy to maintain their celebrity status.

Public Reaction: A Polarized Audience

The public’s response to Harry and Meghan’s actions is deeply divided. Supporters view their social media presence as a refreshing departure from royal protocol, celebrating their openness and family values. They argue that sharing milestones like birthdays is a natural part of modern parenting, especially for a couple living outside the royal bubble. Fans have praised Meghan’s posts for their warmth, with comments on her Disneyland video calling it “heartwarming” and “relatable.”

Conversely, critics see their actions as attention-seeking and inconsistent with their stated desire for privacy. The timing of their posts—often coinciding with royal events or negative press—has led to accusations of opportunism. For instance, a Yahoo News poll from May 2025 highlighted growing UK frustration over the couple’s use of royal titles, with some former supporters calling their actions “despicable” during King Charles’s cancer treatment. The backlash is amplified by their high-profile projects, including Harry’s memoir Spare, their Netflix series, and the 2021 Oprah interview, which critics argue were designed to embarrass the monarchy.

The Privacy Paradox: A Strategic Choice?

At the heart of the controversy is the tension between privacy and publicity. Harry and Meghan have repeatedly emphasized their desire to protect Archie and Lilibet from the media frenzy that defined Harry’s childhood. Yet, their selective sharing of family moments suggests a nuanced approach: they control the narrative by offering just enough to satisfy public curiosity while maintaining boundaries. This strategy, while effective for some celebrities, has backfired for the Sussexes, as it invites speculation about their authenticity.

Royal commentator Richard Eden noted that Harry’s protective instincts clash with Meghan’s more open approach, creating a “bizarre strategy” that confuses observers. While Harry reportedly prefers to keep his children out of the public eye, Meghan’s posts suggest a willingness to share curated glimpses, possibly to humanize their brand and counter negative narratives. This dynamic has led to accusations that they are exploiting their children’s appeal to regain favor, a claim that resonates with detractors but lacks concrete evidence.

What’s Next for Harry and Meghan?

As Harry and Meghan navigate their post-royal lives, their actions will continue to spark debate. Their decision to share family moments, while divisive, reflects the challenges of transitioning from royalty to global celebrities. By blending personal storytelling with brand-building, they aim to carve out a unique space in the public eye, but at the cost of inviting scrutiny. The passport delays, royal tensions, and ongoing security concerns underscore the complexities of their situation, while their social media presence keeps them firmly in the headlines.

Looking ahead, the couple’s ability to balance authenticity with strategic communication will determine their public image. If they continue to share glimpses of Archie and Lilibet, they risk further accusations of exploiting their children. Conversely, retreating from social media could diminish their relevance in a crowded celebrity landscape. For now, their every move is dissected, with supporters and critics alike watching closely.

Conclusion: A Family in the Spotlight

Harry and Meghan Markle’s journey from royal rebels to Montecito parents is a story of reinvention, controversy, and polarizing choices. Their recent social media activity, particularly involving Archie and Lilibet, has intensified scrutiny, with many questioning whether they are genuinely sharing their lives or chasing fame. While their supporters see a family embracing modern visibility, critics argue they are trading privacy for publicity. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Sussexes remain a lightning rod for discussion, their every post a spark for global conversation. Whether this is a calculated bid for attention or a heartfelt expression of their new life, only time will tell—but the world is watching.