Harry and Meghan Are Looking to Expand Their Brand — and Archie and Lilibet Will Play a Key Role
According to sources, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may use their children to present an image of a perfect family in the media.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been fiercely protective of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's privacy. However, that firm position may soften in 2026, as the Sussexes are reportedly eyeing bigger social media and commercial opportunities. According to sources, Harry and Markle are allegedly exploring ways to bring Archie and Lilibet more into focus within their brands, tapping into the public's growing curiosity.
In an article on his Substack, royal commentator Rob Shuter quoted various insiders, who claimed that Harry and Markle want to depict a perfect family front in the media, which means their children will inevitably be 'front and center.' As per Shuter's account, a source revealed, "Savvy Meghan has learned from the Oprah interview — she's not giving anything away. The kids are now part of the brand. Their images alone could make $1 million." Doubling down on the claims, Shuter pointed out to the Sussexes' clever release of their Christmas card with Archie and Lilibet, the same day they rebranded Archewell Foundation to Archewell Philanthropies. He argued, "And yes, the kids are officially part of the global philanthropy spiel."
Explaining Archie and Lilibet's significance in spotlighting Harry and Markle's business ventures, an insider stressed, "The implication that children this young are already participating in global philanthropy is, to put it politely, somewhat mystifying." Meanwhile, Shuter alleged that the Sussexes were not just using their kids to generate headlines, but also to grow their social media and expand their brand. A source insisted, "The kids are now content creators in their own right. They're learning early how to be the face of a brand."
In a similar vein, royal expert Hugo Vickers has previously alleged that the Duchess, in particular, was fond of using her children to promote her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. He told The Sun, "All the things that she does seem to me not to be the success that she would have wished for them." Vickers opined that Markle using her kids to promote her show was 'wrong' and advised her to look up to UK Prime Ministers on managing their children in the spotlight. He stressed, "You know, most of our Prime Ministers, the only time you see the children is when they're leaving Downing Street, when they sort of take them by the hand and lead them out."
Despite the recent claims, Harry and Markle for their part, have made clear their desire to protect Archie and Lilibet's privacy. Markle continues to photograph her children from behind or obscure their faces with emojis or their hair. Most recently, the family of four appeared on their Christmas card in an intimate setting. In the image, Archie is seen hugging Harry while Lilibet gently touches foreheads with Markle, as they stand on a small bridge above a pond in a forested landscape.
