Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, have once again sparked speculation after a family photo was spotted in Gloria Steinem's New York home.
The image was prominently displayed in an Architectural Digest feature on Steinem's residence, raising questions about whether its appearance was coincidental or a calculated public relations move. The black-and-white photograph, reportedly taken from the Sussexes' private 2023 holiday card, captures a seemingly idyllic family moment with Meghan resting her hand on Archie while the toddler places his hand on her forehead—a detail that some critics have deemed overly staged.
Notably, Lilibet and Harry are positioned less prominently, leading some to suggest that Meghan is once again placing herself at the center of attention, even in what appears to be an intimate family snapshot.
The photo was displayed on a side table in Steinem's home, positioned perfectly to catch the reader’s eye. While some dismiss this as a mere coincidence, others believe it to be a deliberate move. Given Steinem’s close friendship with Meghan and her history of vocal support for the Duchess, speculation is mounting that the placement of the photo was intentional. The timing has also raised eyebrows, as Meghan is preparing to launch her upcoming cooking show. Many suspect that this seemingly innocuous detail is actually part of a broader PR strategy designed to keep the Sussex family in the public eye.
Archie and Lilibet, who have largely been kept out of the public spotlight, now appear to be playing a more prominent role in their parents’ media narrative. Some critics argue that Meghan is strategically using her children to bolster her public image, particularly as her other ventures face scrutiny. This latest development seems to signal the start of a new family-focused branding effort, with Archie and Lilibet poised to take on a more visible role. The photo’s appearance has also reignited discussions about the children's public perception—Archie, who some say is portrayed as being perpetually in toddlerhood, and Lilibet, whose smile bears a striking resemblance to Meghan, have become subjects of fascination. Although the Sussexes have long emphasized their desire to protect their children’s privacy, moments like this make it difficult to believe that sentiment is truly their priority.
With Meghan’s cooking show set to debut, the Sussexes appear to be ramping up their PR efforts. The image of a happy, united family is a powerful tool, and Meghan seems to be using it to her advantage. However, this strategy has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that her continuous need to publicize her family life contradicts her claims of wanting privacy. Instead of allowing her work to stand on its own merit, she appears to be relying on her children to generate media buzz—a tactic that some view as exploitative.
Whether the photo’s appearance in Gloria Steinem’s home was an innocent accident or a carefully orchestrated PR maneuver, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle knows how to stay in the headlines. As Archie and Lilibet take on an increasingly central role in the Sussexes’ public image, many are left wondering how much of their childhood is being sacrificed for the sake of their parents’ brand. For now, the world watches as the next chapter of the Sussex saga unfolds, complete with perfectly curated family photos, strategic media leaks, and plenty of controversy. Love it or hate it, Meghan’s approach to publicity remains undeniably effective.
