Meghan Markle reacts to criticism over sharing photos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet online: 'Parents can choose..'

Meghan Markle has responded to the backlash surrounding her decision to share images of her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on social media. The Duchess and Prince Harry regularly share glimpses of their family life while keeping their children's faces strictly hidden from the public, a practice that has drawn some scrutiny given Meghan's vocal advocacy for stronger global protections for children online.

Her spokesperson has now addressed the controversy directly, setting out the reasoning behind the couple's approach.

What Meghan Markle's spokesperson said

"The Duchess has always been clear that there is a distinction between sharing moments from her life and exposing her children to public scrutiny," her spokesperson told Newsweek. "By obscuring their faces, she is demonstrating the very principle she advocates for: giving children privacy, agency, and protection in an increasingly digital world."

The spokesperson continued, "Far from being contradictory, by concealing their faces, she is actually reflecting the message she delivered in Geneva: that parents can choose to share family experiences while still taking deliberate steps to protect identities, privacy, and digital footprint."

Why has the question of hypocrisy arisen

The statement comes after a wave of questions about whether Meghan's approach to social media is at odds with her public messaging. Just last month, the Duchess delivered a speech for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, about the damaging effects social media can have on children. The timing of her continued social media posts featuring her children, even with faces obscured, prompted some to question the consistency of her position.

Earlier, in October last year, Meghan also spoke about the issue during an appearance at Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City. "Luckily, our children are still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming," she said. "Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology's benefits while safeguarding against its dangers. And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible."

The spokesperson's response makes clear that Meghan views her current approach not as a contradiction but as a practical demonstration of the very values she has been publicly championing.