Prince Harry reportedly unhappy with Meghan Markle’s use of children in public branding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle differ on showing their children publicly, claims royal expert Matt Wilkinson.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly divided over how much of their children’s lives should be shared publicly, according to royal commentator Matt Wilkinson.

Speaking on Hello! magazine’s Right Royal podcast, Wilkinson claimed the Duke of Sussex prefers to keep Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet out of the spotlight, while Meghan is more comfortable including them in her public-facing content.

“My understanding of this is that, up to a certain stage, Harry would much rather his children were not seen,” Wilkinson stated. He added, “He doesn’t want them to be papped. He’s got this idea that if he takes them outside of Montecito, there’s a horde of us out there trying to take pictures of his kids.”

In contrast, Wilkinson said Meghan embraces a more open lifestyle. “She grew up in California… take them down the beach, go out, do stuff. She doesn’t want to hide them away.”

This difference in approach has become more noticeable with the launch of Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever. Promotional content has featured rare glimpses of their children, including a photo of Lilibet shared on the brand’s website and moments captured with Serena Williams and Harry on social media.

Wilkinson suggested, “You could argue that Meghan isn’t exploiting the children… maybe she is… but she’s using them to display her brand. She’s a mother. A homemaker and cooking at home.”

Recent content, including their 2024 Christmas card and scenes from Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan, have shown the children from behind or in fleeting moments.

Despite these carefully curated appearances, Wilkinson noted, “I think Harry probably is not overly happy.”