Meghan Markle is once again at the center of controversy after releasing a birthday post for Prince Archie that has drawn accusations of mimicking Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Sussex marked Archie’s sixth birthday with a rare photo and heartfelt caption on Instagram, writing, “Our son. Our sun. Happy 6th birthday to Archie!”
But while the post was meant to celebrate her son’s milestone, critics online quickly accused Meghan of trying to copy the Princess of Wales.
The backlash was swift, especially as Kate Middleton recently made headlines for her children’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony during a major royal event.
Royal watchers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disapproval, pointing out the timing and similarities in how Meghan shared the image.
One user bluntly wrote, “Thinking that she is taking them because Princess Kate does. Only difference is that the Princess of Wales takes way better photos and doesn’t hide who her children are.”
Another added, “Does Meghan have no original ideas?” accusing the former actress of constantly trailing behind the royal family’s style and timing.
A third chimed in sarcastically, “I wonder whose idea it was to release pictures to mark a royal child’s birthday…”
Others noted how Meghan’s post came just days after Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were seen publicly at Trooping the Colour.
“Right after the other royal children were pictured standing on a balcony,” one critic commented, pointing out the calculated timing of Meghan’s upload.
Though Meghan’s caption was touching and poetic, it wasn’t enough to distract some from what they claim is a pattern of emulating Kate.
Fans of the Princess of Wales continue to emphasize how Kate’s photography of her children over the years has felt more natural, public, and high-quality.
“Kate actually shares her children with the public. Meghan hides them, then expects applause when she reveals a shadowy glimpse,” another post read.
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The divide between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family remains as wide as ever, and moments like this only fuel the comparisons.
Some royal commentators argue that Meghan has little choice but to follow traditional royal patterns to remain relevant, especially in the U.S., where interest in the monarchy remains high.
Yet even supporters of Meghan have voiced concern that timing her posts around key royal events risks looking like attention-seeking rather than genuine celebration.
The choice to share a personal moment just days after the royal children’s public appearance may have been a PR move, but it’s one that’s drawn sharp criticism.
Observers believe Meghan and Harry are trying to balance their desire for privacy with their need to stay in the public eye—especially as they continue developing their brand in the U.S.
While the Sussexes are no longer working royals, their actions continue to be measured against the standard set by Prince William and Kate Middleton.
This latest birthday post for Archie has done more to reignite debate than bring celebration, at least in royal-watching circles.
As Meghan and Harry move forward with new projects under the Archewell brand, this incident is a reminder that no move goes unnoticed—and certainly not unchallenged.
