Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been branded "hypocritical" after posting a video featuring their children as they adjust to life back in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise return to Britain late last month, reportedly establishing themselves in the Cotswolds and enrolling Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, at nearby schools. The family had previously resided in California, a location the Sussexes selected in 2020 partly to avoid media attention.
Video offers glimpse into family life
Harry and Meghan have revealed little about their plans during their time back on British soil, beyond confirming they will conduct several charitable activities. However, Meghan offered followers a glimpse into the Sussexes' private world on Instagram on Sunday afternoon (September 13).
In a collection of mobile phone clips, the family can be seen enjoying the countryside with their dog, while Harry appears on a boat fishing with the children on a pond. It begins with Meghan and her husband Harry walking hand in hand, with the Duchess turning to face the camera and cheekily calling out "come on, you".
One heartwarming moment seemingly shows Lilibet pedalling along with a doll secured in the baby bike seat as Archie dashes past her, while another clip appears to capture one of the youngsters warming their feet beside the fireplace. A Union Flag emoji and heart emoji are displayed across the compilation of footage.
Commentators criticise decision to share footage
However, sharing the video has been described as "hypocrisy" by Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield. "If privacy is genuinely the priority, the most effective strategy is simple... stop broadcasting your family life to millions of strangers," Schofield told news outlet Page Six.
"Every hyper-curated glimpse of the children, the dogs, the countryside, and their domestic routine invites more attention, more questions, and more interest in where and how they are living," added Schofield, who rose to fame through her appearance on reality TV show Party Monsters Cabo before transitioning into YouTube commentary on the Royals.
Another, Tom Sykes, editor of The Royalist, also told Page Six he found the inclusion of Archie and Lilibet "jarring". He continued: "Especially when you look at Harry's comments in a 2017 video which he recorded for the Heads Together charity in which he said said that one of the big problems with social media was that people portrayed a perfect life and then you can feel inadequate when you look at their fake portrayal of their perfect life."
Family readjusting to British life
The family are readjusting to British life after a row with The King, who made it plain they will exist as "private citizens", rather than working Royals, which the Sussexes said they were "a little surprised at", favouring the term "public figures".
