The Duke and Duchess of Sussex referenced their children, now 6 and 4, in a recent impact report released last month. In a December 2025 statement announcing a change to their charitable organization, they wrote, “After five beautiful years, the Archewell Foundation is becoming Archewell Philanthropies. This charitable entity allows the couple and their children to expand upon their global philanthropic endeavors as a family.”
That explicit inclusion of Archie and Lilibet appeared to suggest the children could one day take part in their parents’ philanthropic path. According to the Daily Mail, the wording left one of Prince Harry’s longtime friends “truly baffled.”
“Harry and Meghan always stressed that their children would grow up free to choose their own paths, without the burden of expectations or titles,” the source said. “I can’t believe Harry would support this.”
The insider went on to suggest that the decision was likely driven by Meghan’s influence.
A representative for the couple did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. On the same day the statement was issued, Markle shared a family photo on Instagram with the caption, “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours.”
The outdoor image offered a rare look at Archie and Lilibet, who also appeared briefly in a 2025 year-in-review video. Markle, now 44, revived her Instagram account on New Year’s Day last year, and her children have been featured more frequently in recent months. However, Page Six reported in November that Prince Harry, 41, is reportedly uncomfortable with his wife’s increasing social media presence.
Sources claim the former Army officer is “very conscious” of Markle publicly showcasing their family. While Archie and Lilibet did not appear on Markle’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan—unlike their father—they were mentioned several times throughout the show.
Following the births of both children, Markle and Harry stepped back from royal duties and officially left the UK in 2021, settling in Montecito, California. Since then, they have pursued various business and media projects, partnering with companies such as Netflix and Spotify, with uneven success.
Over the past year, the couple have reportedly reduced their staff by as much as 80 to 85 percent. Sources now suggest their brand is under strain, noting that they recently parted ways with their 11th publicist, as well as Archewell’s head of charitable operations, all within the last month.
