A Royal Family in the Spotlight

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has long been a figure of fascination and scrutiny. Since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, her every move has been dissected by the public and media alike. Recently, whispers have emerged suggesting that Meghan is expecting a third child with Prince Harry, a development that has sparked both excitement and controversy. While the couple has not officially confirmed these rumors, speculation about their growing family has ignited a wave of criticism. Some voices on social media and in public discourse claim that Meghan’s rumored preoccupation with her third pregnancy has led her to neglect the emotional needs of her two young children, Prince Archie, aged 6, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3. This narrative paints a picture of a mother stretched thin, juggling entrepreneurial ventures, public appearances, and parenting duties, potentially at the expense of her children’s well-being. But is there truth to these accusations, or are they another chapter in the ongoing saga of public judgment faced by the Duchess? This article delves into the complexities of Meghan’s life as a mother, entrepreneur, and public figure, exploring the criticism and the broader context of her family dynamics.

The Rumors of a Third Child

The speculation about a third child began circulating in mid-2024, with sources close to the couple hinting that while expanding their family was not an immediate priority, it had not been ruled out. Prince Harry and Meghan, who relocated to Montecito, California, in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, have embraced a life focused on privacy and philanthropy. Their two children, Archie and Lilibet, have largely been shielded from the public eye, with Meghan sharing only carefully curated glimpses of their lives through Instagram posts and her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The possibility of a third child has fueled excitement among fans, who see it as a natural progression for the couple, who have openly expressed their joy in parenthood. However, the narrative has taken a critical turn, with detractors arguing that Meghan’s focus on this potential new addition—coupled with her demanding professional commitments—has left Archie and Lilibet wanting for maternal attention.

The Criticism: Neglecting Archie and Lilibet?

The heart of the criticism lies in the claim that Meghan’s attention is disproportionately directed toward her rumored pregnancy and her burgeoning lifestyle brand, As Ever, launched in April 2025. Social media posts have amplified this sentiment, with some users accusing Meghan of prioritizing her public image and business ventures over her role as a mother. These critics point to her frequent Instagram updates, which often highlight her entrepreneurial efforts, charitable work, and moments with friends, as evidence of a shift in focus. They argue that Archie and Lilibet, at critical stages of their development, require consistent emotional support and presence from their mother, which they fear is being diluted by Meghan’s other pursuits.

This narrative has been further fueled by Meghan’s candid discussions about the challenges of balancing motherhood and work. In the finale of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, aired on May 27, 2025, she spoke about the difficulties of raising two young children while building a business. She noted that “people often forget” that she launched As Ever while parenting a newborn and a toddler, a period marked by sleepless nights and constant demands. While these remarks were intended to highlight her resilience, some interpreted them as an admission of struggle, suggesting that her children might not be receiving the attention they deserve. The criticism paints a stark picture: a mother so consumed by ambition and the prospect of a new baby that she risks emotionally sidelining her existing children.

A Closer Look at Meghan’s Parenting

To assess the validity of these claims, it’s essential to examine Meghan’s actions as a mother. Since moving to Montecito, Meghan and Harry have prioritized creating a stable, private environment for Archie and Lilibet. Meghan has shared heartwarming anecdotes about their family life, from baking “surprise” pancakes with rainbow sprinkles for her children to gardening with Lilibet, who proudly helps make strawberry preserves. These moments, often shared on Instagram, suggest a hands-on approach to parenting, with Meghan actively engaging in her children’s daily lives. For instance, in an April 2025 interview with The New York Times, she revealed that she often prepares kid-friendly meals like chicken nuggets and tater tots for Archie and Lilibet, indicating a relatable, nurturing side.

Meghan’s social media presence further underscores her commitment to her children. Posts celebrating milestones, such as Archie’s sixth birthday or Mother’s Day 2025, feature rare photos of the children—though their faces are often obscured for privacy—accompanied by captions that express deep affection. On Mother’s Day, she wrote, “And to these two gems—who still attempt to climb ‘mama mountain,’ smother me with kisses, and make every day the most memorable adventure—being your mom is the greatest privilege of my life.” These words convey a profound emotional connection, challenging the narrative of neglect.

Moreover, Meghan has been intentional about protecting her children’s privacy, a decision driven by security concerns following the loss of their U.K. taxpayer-funded protection in 2020. She has explained that filming her Netflix series in a nearby farmhouse, rather than their home, was to preserve a peaceful environment for Archie and Lilibet. This choice reflects a deliberate effort to prioritize her children’s well-being over professional