The royal family is known for its fondness of group photos, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no exception. Earlier this week, the couple unveiled their 2024 Christmas card, which sparked some confusion among their followers due to the unusual nature of the photo.
This card marks the first time their children—five-year-old son Archie and three-year-old daughter Lilibet—have been photographed together in three years. The photo, which appears to have been taken at their Montecito, California residence, is also the children’s first “somewhat ‘official'” image since the royal portraits released a year after their births.
After stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to the United States. In the years that followed, they welcomed Lilibet into the world, and distanced themselves from the monarchy, with Harry publishing a book criticizing his family’s treatment of his wife, who was born in the US.
The couple had previously stated that they moved to America to escape the “mistreatment they’d endured from the British tabloid press,” expressing a desire for a more private life than what they had experienced in the UK. Since their move, Harry and Meghan have made only a few public appearances and have kept their children’s faces hidden from the public eye.
The Sussexes’ new Christmas card, which was shared through their Archewell Foundation on December 16, features a photo of Archie and Lilibet from behind. This image is part of a collage, showcasing the couple involved in charitable work. In the post, they wrote: “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and a joyful new year.”
However, the image has sparked some confusion among viewers, with many raising questions about Lilibet’s appearance. One user on X reposted the photo, asking: “So Harry and Meghan’s new Xmas card! How is Lily as tall as Archie?”
They also referenced a past comment by Meghan regarding her daughter’s hair length, which was said to be so long that the child could sit on it. The user added, “Where is the hair Lily can almost sit on? Who thought this scene with such OBVIOUS staging was a good idea. More questions? And go!”
Naturally, numerous other questions poured in.
“Why is her arm so long?” one person questioned regarding Lilibet.
“Great point, and her legs are turned in a different direction from her body. It’s all very odd,” another commenter observed.
A third remarked in general: “Does he have a backpack on or is backwards? Why is there a black striped part? Also, the grass and leaves look fake. The dogs aren’t engaging with the kids at all. Mine would be all over them.”
As another commenter continued: “Why is the black dog standing on pointe? Does it do ballet? Why is one child in summer clothes and the other in a fleece jacket? Why does the girl appear to be closer to 5 years old?”
Meanwhile, one person simply admitted: “I simply don’t believe this is a real photo. I never will unless/until we see the kids in person.”
