Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are about to celebrate their fifth and third Christmases. However, due to the ongoing rift with the royal family, they won’t be spending the holidays with their cousins or King Charles. The Sussexes haven’t been invited to Sandringham for Christmas.

This week, Harry and Meghan shared a Christmas card with new photos of their kids. But soon after, speculation arose about the photo being altered, reminiscent of the controversy over Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day picture.

Although Harry and Meghan have focused on their careers this year, rumors about their marriage continue. Meghan is working on her lifestyle brand, while Harry remains committed to the Invictus Games. Despite being public figures, they’ve kept Archie and Lilibet out of the spotlight to protect their privacy.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle ‘unable’ to show pictures of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

A friend of Harry and Meghan, speaking anonymously, explained to US Magazine that the couple avoids publicly sharing photos of their children due to security concerns. They highlighted that while Prince William’s children enjoy stronger protection, Harry and Meghan’s kids face greater risks, complicating their public exposure.

A source told People Magazine that Harry’s caution stems from his desire to protect his children’s privacy and safety, especially after the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana.

Though the Sussexes can control their children’s privacy until they turn 18, they have a plan in place for their future beyond that.

How is Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet doing?

An insider told Express that Prince Harry and Meghan plan to give Archie and Lilibet full freedom once they turn 18. Until then, they aim to keep the kids out of the spotlight so they can grow up and form their own identities.

“They’ll choose their own path,” the source said, adding that the Sussex children might enjoy more freedom than their royal cousins in the UK.

A Us Weekly source also described Archie as “curious and playful,” while Lilibet is “happy and vibrant.” As the holidays approach, Harry and Meghan shared warm wishes and a six-photo card, saying, “We wish you a very happy holiday season.”

Prince Harry & Meghan’s Christmas Card sparks wild conspiracy theory

The montage showed five photos from Harry and Meghan’s visits to Nigeria and Colombia earlier this year. But it was the final photo that really caught people’s attention. It featured a sweet moment with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet walking toward their parents, who were waiting with open arms and happy smiles. The kids are seen from behind, walking away from the camera. You can check out the photos here.

Although the new photo of Archie and Lilibet didn’t show their faces, it still sparked excitement among royal fans. Many were thrilled to see how much the children had grown, with some pointing out their striking red hair, just like Prince Harry’s.

But alongside the joy, the image also triggered conspiracy theories online—especially in the wake of the controversy surrounding Kate Middleton’s edited Mother’s Day photo, which had already raised concerns about photo manipulation within the royal circle.

Royal fans claim new photo of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet is ‘fake’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were hit with another conspiracy theory this week. Social media users questioned a new photo of their children, claiming Lilibet’s hair looked odd and the dogs were digitally added.

Some even accused them of using AI or “borrowed” kids to pose as Archie and Lilibet.

Photoshop expert James Middleton told the Daily Mail that the image is too small to confirm if it was edited, but Meghan’s appearance might just be a lighting effect.

“An image for the Instagram world”

Photographer Glenn Gratton told the Daily Mail the photo of Harry and Meghan looked “staged,” though not fake. “It’s not AI, but likely retouched like most people’s holiday cards,” he said.

He noted the scene—with perfect weather, coordinated poses, and their three dogs—felt a bit too flawless, calling it “an image for the Instagram world.”

The couple continues to face public scrutiny, recently for their “royal tour” to Nigeria and skipping UK visits over safety concerns. Even their holiday card drew criticism—mainly for not including the word “Christmas.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle sparks outrage with missing keyword on Christmas card

According to GB News, many fans were upset that Harry and Meghan didn’t mention the word “Christmas” in their holiday card. One said it “offends Christians all over the world,” while another joked, “Holiday season is summer, isn’t it?”

Others called the card “unfestive” and compared it to a “promotional brochure.” GB News presenter Ben Leo also pointed out on X that the word “Christmas” was missing entirely.

One royal fan summed it up: “The least festive, yet most self-indulgent, card from Harry and Meghan.”

Do you think Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will ever reconnect with the Royal Family? Or might they become working royals one day? Share your thoughts on Facebook!