Meghan Markle released a new photo of Prince Harry with their children in what appeared to be a carefully timed public gesture following intense scrutiny of Harry's remarks about King Charles III's health and his recent legal loss over security protections in the U.K.
The Duchess of Sussex shared a black-and-white image on Instagram over the weekend showing Harry walking hand-in-hand with their 5-year-old son, Archie, while carrying 3-year-old daughter Lilibet on his shoulders. The trio, seen from behind, appeared to be in the garden of the couple's Montecito, California, residence. Markle did not include a caption, and comments on the post were disabled.
The post came shortly after Prince Harry drew sharp criticism for suggesting in a BBC interview that he is unsure "how much longer" his father, King Charles, has to live. The comments followed his loss in a U.K. Court of Appeal case challenging the Home Office's decision to revoke taxpayer-funded police protection for him and his family.
The court upheld the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which stripped Harry of state-provided security in 2020 after he and Meghan stepped down from royal duties and relocated to the U.S.
"I cannot see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point," Harry said in the interview. "I can only come to the U.K. safely if I am invited, and there is a lot of control and ability in my father's hands."
Harry further claimed the King "won't speak to me because of this security stuff," and added: "It would be nice to reconcile."
His comments provoked concern among royal watchers and former palace aides. Ailsa Anderson, a former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, told Sky News that Harry's statements "cause real concern and more speculation in the media and the wider public about what his diagnosis is."
Despite the fallout, Harry insisted that he has "forgiven" his family but reiterated that the lack of security is "the sticking point" preventing reconciliation. He also acknowledged that some relatives "will never forgive me" for publishing his 2023 memoir, Spare, which detailed grievances with royal relatives and life inside the monarchy.
Markle's new photo of Harry with their children was interpreted by some as a pointed response to the controversy, placing emphasis on family unity amid ongoing public tension with the Royal Household. Meghan has not returned to the U.K. since attending Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September 2022.
