Meghan Markle responds to backlash over children's photos after 'hypocritical' safety talk

Michael D. Carroll, Charl Wright Thu, June 4, 2026 at 10:39 AM UTC

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Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle was labeled a 'hypocrite' following a recent speech on child online safety (Image: Getty Images)

Meghan Markle has stood by her choice to post pictures of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on social media following backlash regarding her position on children's online safety.

The Duchess of Sussex has consistently shared family photos since rejoining Instagram in 2025, although she generally conceals her children's faces in attempts to safeguard their privacy.

The matter resurfaced ahead of Princess Lilibet's fifth birthday on June 4, with Meghan's representatives dismissing claims that her social media presence conflicts with her public advocacy concerning online dangers.

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Concerns emerged following Meghan's address to the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, where she discussed the risks social media presents to young individuals, reports the Express.

Certain critics contended that publishing photos of Archie and Lilibet online seemed at odds with those warnings.

Meghan Markle discussed the dangers of social media (Image: Getty Images)

The controversy escalated after Meghan uploaded a photo of Archie sleeping on Prince Harry's chest to celebrate his seventh birthday in May.

She subsequently shared pictures from a family outing to Disneyland, including an image depicting Lilibet hugging a cast member dressed as Elsa from Disney's Frozen.

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Addressing the backlash, a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex told Newsweek that a distinct difference exists between posting family memories and subjecting children to undesired public scrutiny.

The spokesperson stated, "The Duchess has always been clear that there is a distinction between sharing moments from her life and exposing her children to public scrutiny.

"By obscuring their faces, she is demonstrating the very principle she advocates for: giving children privacy, agency, and protection in an increasingly digital world."

They 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."

On June 4, Lilibet's birthday, Meghan shared an Instagram post captioned, "Our dream girl. Happy 5th birthday Lil," with a white heart emoji.

In the first snap, Harry is holding his young daughter as he smiles at her. Meanwhile, Meghan holds onto her husband and grins directly at her daughter.

In the second photograph, barefoot Lilibet is snapped touching purple flowers, as she stands in a garden. The image is taken from the side, with fans getting a small glimpse of Lilibet's face.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”