Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, known for their protective stance on their children’s privacy, have sparked controversy with a recent decision involving their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
As Meghan embarks on a new business venture, concerns have emerged over the couple’s choice to subtly feature Lilibet in promotional material.
The Duchess of Sussex recently launched the official website for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, following its rebranding from American Riviera Orchard. While Meghan’s business move has generated buzz, royal watchers were quick to notice that the website subtly includes an image of her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet. Though the child’s face remains concealed and the shot is taken from a distance, the decision has raised ethical concerns among royal experts.
Royal Experts Raise Concerns Over Privacy
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams warned that using Lilibet’s image for commercial purposes could have long-term consequences. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Fitzwilliams emphasized that while Meghan and Harry have been highly cautious about exposing their children to the public eye, this latest move appears contradictory.
“Meghan and Harry rarely allow their children to be seen,” Fitzwilliams noted. “Lilibet is too young to protest, but when she looks back, I doubt her appearance on the website of As Ever will be one of her favorite memories.”
Meanwhile, royal historian Hugo Vickers told The Sun that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are essentially using their children for advertising purposes, despite them being official members of the British Royal Family.
A Shift in Privacy Approach?
Prince Harry and Meghan have long been vocal about their desire to shield their children from excessive media attention. In past public appearances, they have deliberately kept Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, out of the spotlight. Their 2024 Christmas card featured six candid family moments, but in every image, the children were either captured from behind or at a distance, ensuring their faces were not fully visible.
Given this history, the use of Lilibet’s image—however subtle—on Meghan’s As Ever website appears to mark a significant shift in their approach. Critics argue that this move contradicts their previous stance, leaving many to question whether commercial interests are beginning to outweigh privacy concerns.