Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing renewed scrutiny over their approach to privacy following the release of new images of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, on her fourth birthday.
To mark the occasion, Meghan shared a series of black-and-white photos on Instagram, showing Lilibet being held by both parents. In the images, Lilibet’s face is only partially visible, obscured behind Meghan’s hair—while earlier pictures of her as a baby were shown more clearly.
Critics argue the move contradicts the couple’s previous public stance on shielding their children—both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—from media exposure. Royal commentator Angela Levin was among those who questioned the decision, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“They wanted privacy and to keep their children out of focus. And certainly wouldn’t show their daughter’s face only slightly hidden by her mother’s hair. It’s up to them, or just her, but they have broken their own rules.”
Adding to the controversy, Meghan also posted a video of herself dancing with Prince Harry while visibly pregnant with Lilibet, just weeks before her birth. Although comments were disabled on Meghan’s original post, the clip was widely shared by fans and media outlets—prompting mixed reactions.
One online critic wrote, “Is this the privacy they were asking for?” while another commented, “What a fall from grace for Harry.” A third described the video as “cringe for any royal,” accusing the couple of trying too hard to appear relatable.
However, supporters quickly came to the couple’s defence. One fan responded, “I love them both for their ability to be real. I just don’t understand why people don’t like them. Diana would be so proud of both of them.”
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between public curiosity and the Sussexes’ complex relationship with media exposure—one that continues to divide public opinion.
