One simple holiday photo… and the internet exploded.
When Meghan Markle shared a quiet family moment, fans got obsessed, debating every detail from Archie’s red hair to Lilibet’s pumpkin patch pose.
But behind the smiles, sources say not everyone in the Sussex household is thrilled about the spotlight — and the tension could be closer than it seems.
Just days before Christmas, Meghan Markle shared a holiday photo that instantly caught fans’ attention. The duchess posted a festive Instagram snapshot with a simple, heartfelt caption: “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours.”
The image showed Meghan with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, in a calm, storybook-like outdoor setting that felt both intimate and carefully composed. And fans were quick to notice family resemblances and little details, sparking a mix of praise, nitpicking, and affection.
On Reddit, one user gushed: “Archie looks so much like Meghan just from what we see here. I love that both of them are redheads too it’s so cute.”
Similar sentiments echoed across other threads, with fans dissecting features, expressions, and even height. On X, one fan noted:
“Love the Christmas card and Prince Archie has Meghan’s eyes.”
Another offered a longer observation:
“Archie is smallish and Lili is tall… Archie must take after Meghan in height… He has Harry’s nose.”
Instagram’s comment section was equally lively. one user wrote:
“Can Meghan at least once brush her daughter’s hair!”
Drawing both agreement and pushback, another chimed in with a gentler take:
“Does she ever brush her daughters hair? She must be a very active little girl!”
Behind the cozy scenes
The mix of admiration, teasing, and scrutiny shows just how invested the public remains whenever Meghan shares a glimpse of her family life.
But behind the cozy scenes and warm holiday vibes, sources say not everyone in the Sussex household is comfortable with the growing online visibility.
Prince Harry, in particular, is reportedly uneasy with Meghan’s social media activity, which has increasingly revealed personal moments with their children alongside her lifestyle brand.
“He’s very aware of her parading him around,” a source told Page Six. “He doesn’t love the social media displays.”
Meghan deleted her personal Instagram back in 2020 but returned earlier this year to promote her brand, As Ever. Since then, she has posted pictures from family outings, from Halloween at home to a Dodgers World Series game with Magic Johnson. But according to insiders, Harry isn’t exactly thrilled about the Instagram photos.
“He’s also unsettled by how Meghan has been weaving their royal history into her branding efforts.”
A clear example is her Signature Candle No. 519, named after their wedding date, may 19, 2018. Even a promotional video from her Washington, D.C., trip showing a handbag labeled “Duchess of Sussex” reportedly raised Harry’s concerns.
Sources compared the branding strategy to Sarah Ferguson’s controversial royal ventures that drew backlash. Public reactions haven’t made things easier. During a Dodgers game, which Meghan and and Harry attended in on October 28, the couple reportedly faced audible boos, a sharp contrast to Harry’s past universal admiration.
“The shine has worn off, which is fair at this point in a relationship. But he’s also blown up his life for her. He’s used to being universally loved. Now it’s the exact opposite: actively booed,” the insider said.
At the same time, the couple faces yet another round of staff departures.
On Dec. 26, their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, announced she was stepping down, just days before longtime advisor James Holt said he would leave Archewell on Dec. 29.
These exits follow a string of resignations earlier this year, including three communications staffers and their global press secretary last year.
“In virtually any context — other than the final months of an outgoing administration — losing five senior-level comms advisors inside of a year is a bit abnormal,” Doug Eldridge of Achilles PR told Fox News Digital.
Recent controversies
Royal photographer Helena Chard pointed to recent controversies, including the Kris Jenner birthday party. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday celebration in November 2025, a James Bond-themed party held at Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills mansion.
While both Jenner and Kim Kardashian initially shared photos of Harry and Meghan on Instagram, the posts were later taken down.
“Maines is a highly respected communications professional and, without doubt, will be protecting her reputation from the Sussex’s possible damaging erratic behavior,” she said.
Helena Chard also noted a “distinct lack of clarity” in the couple’s messaging, adding,
“There are murmurs of Meghan and Harry not following advice given by experts. Hiring top experts is essential… one would hope that Meghan and Harry have learned that they do not always know best!”
Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich called the turnover “undeniable confirmation” that the couple is “unmanageably high‑maintenance and hypocritical at best,” citing the so-called ‘Sussex Survivors Club’ of former staff.
She warned, “Top notch professionals don’t either want to nor need to enter into such a volatile situation with no sustainability… strategy confusion and a ghastly incoherent track-record to date.”
Experts agree the revolving door has created headlines the couple wanted to avoid. Eldridge added, “Here in the U.S., the presumption—whether right or wrong—will be that she is difficult to work with and that’s why so many experienced, senior comms leaders are exiting faster than a ‘10 items or less’ line at the checkout.”
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