Meghan and Harry’s Holiday Card Sparks Controversy and Criticism

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have had quite the tumultuous year, and their recent attempt to spread some holiday cheer has only added fuel to the fire.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared their 2023 holiday card through the Archul Foundation newsletter, but the response has been less than warm.

Unlike last year's card, this one notably excluded their children, Archie and Lilibet, leading to a whirlwind of speculation and backlash.

Fans quickly voiced their concerns about the decision to leave the kids out of the festive photo.

After all, Archie and Lilibet are seldom seen in public, making their absence even more pronounced.

Critics didn't hold back either, labeling the couple as self-absorbed and attention-seeking.

Some even took jabs at them for opting to use an older photo from November instead of something more current.

The situation took an unexpected turn when Vogue magazine decided to remove the Sussexes' holiday card from their website.

In its place, the magazine featured Kate Middleton on the cover of its January 2023 issue.

Dressed in a stunning red gown and tiara, Kate was hailed as the epitome of grace and elegance, a true pillar of strength for both the royal family and the nation.

This move was interpreted by many as a deliberate slight against Meghan and Harry, especially given the history between the couple and the magazine.

Back in 2019, Meghan made headlines as the first guest editor of Vogue's September issue, where she showcased 15 inspiring women.

However, that issue faced its fair share of criticism for being overly political and self-indulgent.

Vogue's editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, who is a close friend of Meghan, defended her editorial choices.

He described her as the “most misunderstood woman in the world” and expressed his hope that the issue would change the narrative surrounding her.

However, it seems readers didn't share his enthusiasm, as the issue sold less than half of what was expected, marking it as the worst-selling September issue in the magazine's history.

According to reports, the issue sold only 120,000 copies, a stark contrast to the average of 190,000 typically seen for that time of year.

This poor performance likely contributed to Vogue's decision to prioritize Kate Middleton over the Sussexes, reflecting a broader shift in public sentiment.

Recent polling data from YouGov revealed a significant drop in Harry and Meghan's popularity in the UK.

Only 27% of Britons view Harry positively, while just 24% feel the same about Meghan.

In sharp contrast, Kate Middleton boasts a remarkable 76% approval rating, securing her position as the most beloved royal after the Queen herself.

The fallout from this holiday card incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing Meghan Markle.

Having distanced herself from the royal family, the media, and the public, she often finds herself in the crosshairs of criticism.

Despite her best efforts to present a positive image, the perception of her as self-centered and fame-hungry persists.

This latest controversy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play within the royal family and their interactions with the media.

While Meghan and Harry may have hoped their holiday card would convey warmth and togetherness, it seems to have only reinforced existing narratives about them.

In the world of celebrities and royals, public perception can be a double-edged sword.