Meghan Markle’s decision to obscure the faces of her children, Archie and Lilibet, in recent social media posts has sparked considerable debate, with one expert branding it a calculated strategy aimed at generating revenue. The controversy centers around a video montage shared by the Duchess on Instagram, capturing her family’s visit to Disneyland to celebrate Lilibet’s fourth birthday. In the video, Meghan and Prince Harry are shown enjoying various rides, sporting Mickey Mouse ears, while the children’s faces are strategically covered with emojis. This deliberate action has fueled speculation that Meghan is intentionally controlling the narrative surrounding her children’s public image, potentially creating opportunities for commercial ventures. Royal photographer Arthur Edwards, appearing on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, strongly criticized the move, asserting that Meghan is engaged in a ‘money-making scheme’ by withholding the children’s faces. Edwards expressed concern about the children’s well-being, noting that they are isolated from their cousins and lack access to traditional childhood experiences like spending summer holidays in palaces and castles. He questioned when, or if, the public will ever see their faces, suggesting a possible future commercialization of their images, perhaps through a calendar. The footage begins with Lilibet excitedly dragging her father through the park entrance, followed by a special greeting from a Disney princess. The family then enjoys a ride on the log flume, and Lilibet is seen on the Dumbo ride. This moment echoes similar photographs of Prince Harry when he was eight years old, alongside his mother, Diana, during their visit to Walt Disney World in Florida in 1993, and a subsequent trip to Alton Towers the following year.
The deliberate obscuring of the children’s faces has raised ethical questions about parental privacy and the commercialization of children's images. ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship acknowledged parents' right to protect their children’s privacy on social media, stating that it is perfectly acceptable to not share images of children. However, Ship expressed disapproval of the tactic of strategically covering children's faces with emojis, suggesting it’s a form of self-protection rather than genuine privacy preservation. The debate highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by members of the Royal Family and the complex considerations surrounding their children’s public image in the digital age. It’s a reminder that every photograph, every social media post, becomes part of a larger narrative, and the control over that narrative is increasingly important, particularly when it involves young children.
instagram/meghanMeghan Markle posted this cute snap for Lilibet’s birthday
instagram/meghanMeghan posted a montage of her family as they went to the Californian theme park
