Meghan Markle’s decision to keep her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, out of the public eye by hiding their faces has sparked concern among experts, with reputation expert Eric Schiffer warning of potential long-term consequences.
Speaking to Express, Schiffer expressed concern that the strategy of keeping the royal children’s faces hidden could generate a growing “toxic curiosity” that might become difficult to control in the future. Schiffer explained that while Meghan’s intention may have been to protect her children’s privacy, this approach could inadvertently make them appear like “hot commodities” as they grow older.
“She’s running the scarcity play,” Schiffer noted, “She teases the silhouette to prime demand and cash the reveal.” Essentially, by withholding their faces from the public eye, Meghan may be building anticipation, leading to a highly lucrative moment when they are finally seen.
He further elaborated that “every cropped clip is a breadcrumb trail to a seismic payday,” suggesting that the increasing interest in the children’s images could become a major money-making opportunity. However, Schiffer cautioned that this strategy carries risks. “Hiding faces manufactures toxic curiosity, and done too long, it can turn into a dumpster fire of resentment,” he warned.
In light of these potential pitfalls, Schiffer recommended that Meghan take a step back from making her children’s privacy a public spectacle. “I recommend she protect the children from the brand and don’t make them the brand,” he advised. He also suggested that if Meghan does choose to reveal their faces, it should be done intentionally, with purpose, and tied to a charitable cause.
“If she flips the switch, do it once, on her platform, with purpose, with charity tie-in, protective terms, hard limits,” Schiffer recommended, urging Meghan to carefully consider the implications of turning her children into a brand.
The decision to maintain privacy over Archie and Lilibet’s faces has been a hot topic in the media, and as they grow older, it remains to be seen how Meghan’s strategy will unfold. While protecting their privacy may have been her goal, the attention it attracts could potentially backfire in unexpected ways.