Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have landed in controversy after a previously unseen photo of their daughter, Princess Lilibet, surfaced online. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have long advocated for their children’s privacy, are now facing scrutiny over the unexpected reveal.
The photo in question reportedly appeared on Meghan’s newly revived Instagram account, which she reactivated earlier this month. The Duchess had shared a heartwarming tribute to her beloved Beagle, Guy, but royal watchers quickly noticed an unexpected detail—a never-before-seen image of Lilibet, now five years old.
The snapshot shows Meghan enjoying a picnic with her daughter and their three dogs—Guy, Pula, and Mamma Mia. Lilibet, who is rarely seen in public, appears to have inherited her mother’s thick, voluminous hair, a resemblance that royal fans were quick to point out.
Royal reporter Sophie shared insight into the Sussex children’s features, stating, “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair. Harry himself mentioned how it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers.”
However, the leak of this personal photo has sparked a new debate about the Sussexes’ approach to privacy. The couple has been vocal about their desire to shield their children from media attention, even going as far as suing publications that have shared images without consent.
Critics argue that Meghan’s apparent Instagram revival contradicts their previous stance on media intrusion. While the image was not directly posted as a focal point, it still raises questions about whether the couple is now selectively sharing glimpses of their children.
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Some royal commentators believe that the leak could be an attempt by Meghan to rebrand herself on social media. Her return to Instagram has fueled speculation that she is preparing for a major business venture, possibly tied to lifestyle branding or endorsements.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has been focused on his legal battles in the UK. Just last week, he settled his lawsuit against News Group Newspapers (NGN) for an undisclosed sum. The case, which stemmed from alleged phone hacking, was a key part of Harry’s ongoing war against the British press.
Despite their legal victories, the Sussexes continue to struggle with public perception. While many fans support their right to privacy, others argue that they have blurred the lines between public and private life by selectively sharing personal moments.
The leaked image has also reignited speculation about Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royal family. Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the couple has kept their children largely out of the spotlight. Unlike Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—who regularly appear at official events—Archie and Lilibet have remained elusive figures.
The controversy comes at a time when Meghan is reportedly considering a full-fledged return to the public eye. Sources suggest she is planning to relaunch her lifestyle blog, The Tig, and pursue new projects outside the royal sphere.
For now, neither Meghan nor Harry have publicly commented on the leaked photo, but the backlash continues to grow. Whether this was an accidental reveal or a carefully planned moment, it has once again placed the Sussexes in the headlines, reinforcing the ongoing tension between their desire for privacy and their need for media attention.
