Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly snubbed their global audience, leaving many disappointed by the absence of their traditional annual Christmas card. Royal commentator Daniela Elser addressed the issue in her article for News.com.au, highlighting a shift in the couple’s public image.
Elser reflected on how, in 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex still embraced the tradition, sharing a beautiful holiday photo of their family taken by renowned photographer Alexi Lubomirski. “Back in 2021, the duke and duchess were still putting out an official Christmas card, in that instance an adorable photo taken by their engagement portrait photographer Alexi Lubomirski of the couple and Archie and Lili,” she wrote.
The image, depicting a denim-clad family radiating warmth and togetherness, had all the makings of a classic, quintessentially American moment. However, as Elser pointed out, “We are a long way from that image these days.” She suggested that, unlike in previous years, the Sussexes may now feel no obligation to project an image of “shouty and jubilant happiness.”
Elser mused, “There is every chance that, right now, Harry and Meghan have just realized they feel no need – or pressure – to be all shouty and jubilant in their happiness and contentment.” The article raises the question of what has led to this change, with Elser speculating about a shift in their approach to public life.
“Whatever has inspired this reset or refresh or synergistic reframing of brand priorities to better catalyze empowered change, the world outside of Montecito has no idea,” she noted. She ended the piece with a lighthearted plea for a return to their “denim-y Christmas card,” joking that “Santa says that we have been very good this year and a heartwarming bit of something nice would not go astray right now.”
Given the couple’s evolving approach to their public image, it’s clear they’re navigating a delicate balance between personal privacy and public expectation. Whether or not they’ll return to their festive tradition next year remains to be seen, but for now, the silence on their Christmas card is certainly raising eyebrows.