Meghan Markle Is Slammed for This One Parenting Move — But Is It Fair?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently hinted toward their kids’ futures, and people were not happy about it. The Sussexes, who share son Prince Archie, 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 4, opened up about their kids in a new letter on their Archewell Philanthropies (formerly Archewell Foundation) website. In it, they revealed future plans they have for the kids.

“After five beautiful years, the Archewell Foundation is becoming Archewell Philanthropies,” they posted on their website. “This charitable entity allows the couple and their children to expand upon their global philanthropic endeavors as a family.”

Did you catch that last sentence? They want their children to continue working with the philanthropy as they grow up. It seems innocent enough — don’t most parents want their kids to be good citizens of the world and give back? — but it sparked backlash from people saying they shouldn’t be so controlling of their kids’ futures.

Reportedly, an “old friend of Harry” told the Daily Mail that he couldn’t imagine Prince Harry being behind this decision to push the kids into philanthropic work. “I am genuinely confused,” the insider told the Daily Mail. “Harry and Meghan were always so insistent that their children would be able to make their own way in life without the pressure of expectations or titles.”

“I can’t believe Harry is behind this,” the source continued. “It must be Meghan’s influence.”

It doesn’t seem exactly fair that this source is putting so much blame on Markle for included the kids in the vision for the charity’s future. After all, saying that the kids will join their parents in continuing to do good through the philanthropy is much different than expecting their kids to follow a certain career path or royal title.

In the past, other royal experts have commented on how Prince Harry is doing his best to parent his kids differently than he was raised by King Charles and the late Princess Diana. “I think he finds the security and anchor in his little family that was sadly missing in his own broken childhood home,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK in 2024.  “I think he is relishing his role as a parent and playing the fullest part he can in the lives of his two tots.”

Previously, the Duke of Sussex told the BBC how his kids have inspired him to give back even more. “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work,” he said.

“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place,” Prince Harry added.

It’s no surprise he would want to include his kids in something that important to him!

Before you go, check out everything we know about Princess Lilibet and the alleged controversy around her name.