Preaching Social Media Ban While Posting Their Kids: The Sussexes Face Furious Backlash for Turning Royal Children into PR Tools!
Lilibet is increasingly appearing in pictures shared by Meghan and Harry (Image: Archewell Foundation)
Meghan Markle is increasingly featuring Princess Lilibet in public posts, with branding experts suggesting the appearances help reinforce the authenticity of her growing lifestyle brand. The Duchess of Sussex has again put family life front and centre while promoting her As Ever business, revealing that each member of her household has a different favourite jam from her latest collection.
The comments came in a social media post that highlighted Prince Archie, seven, and Lilibet, who turns five next week, as Meghan continues to share more glimpses of her children than at any point since stepping back from royal duties. Observers have noted a marked increase in the number of photographs and videos featuring Lilibet over the past year.
Meghan Markle has faced accusations of hypocrisy (Image: Archewell Foundation)
The youngster has appeared in family celebrations, behind-the-scenes clips from the Sussexes’ California home and promotional material.
One recent post showed Lilibet sitting on the floor of Meghan’s walk-in wardrobe while the Duchess selected outfits, while another promotional video for the brand’s Mother’s Day collection offered followers a rare glimpse of the young princess.
The shift has prompted debate among royal watchers, with some pointing out that while Meghan and Prince Harry continue to shield much of their children’s identities from public view, they appear increasingly willing to feature them in carefully curated social media content.
Lilibet’s face remains concealed or only partially visible in many images. However, critics have questioned whether the couple’s long-stated commitment to privacy sits comfortably alongside the growing use of family-centred content across Meghan’s social channels.
Meghan Markle shares Easter video with Archie and Lilibet
According to the Daily Mail, branding expert Megan Dooley believes there has been a “noticeable shift” in Meghan’s approach.
The head of London-based TAL Agency told the newspaper the appearances appear “very selective and intentional rather than casual and unplanned”.
She suggested Meghan was offering followers “a glimpse behind the curtain” that supports As Ever’s positioning as a lifestyle brand rooted in home life, motherhood and authenticity.
The Duchess first launched the rebranded venture using imagery that included her and Lilibet walking hand-in-hand in California sunshine. Since then, family-focused photographs have become an increasingly common feature of her online presence.
Content marketing specialist Aidan van Vuuren said that featuring her children could help strengthen Meghan’s credibility with consumers: “As Ever operates in domestic lifestyle territory – jam, honey, homeware.
“Those products only make sense if Meghan is credible as someone who genuinely lives that life.” He argued that including Archie and Lilibet helps present the brand as a family story rather than simply a celebrity-backed commercial venture.
The Sussexes have repeatedly campaigned for greater online protections for children and have spoken publicly about the dangers posed by social media. However, as Meghan increasingly incorporates family life into her public image, the balance between protecting privacy and promoting authenticity is likely to remain a subject of discussion.
For supporters, the posts offer a carefully controlled glimpse into life behind palace walls. For critics, they raise fresh questions about whether royal children are becoming part of the Sussex brand.
