A recent video of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children has ignited discussion across social media.
The clip, shared by Markle on Instagram, captures the family enjoying a day at a pumpkin patch in Montecito, California. Prince Archie can be seen running through a cornfield, while Princess Lilibet rides in a wagon filled with pumpkins. True to the couple’s usual approach, the children’s faces are mostly hidden, yet some viewers zeroed in on what they described as “concerning” details.
This follows an earlier controversy in October, when Markle posted photos of Lilibet for International Day of the Girl. Critics questioned why she shares images of her children while advocating for their privacy. One commenter wrote, “This is all about Meghan… she doesn’t care about her children. She uses them for her own gain. Disgusting.”
Supporters of the family, however, argue that Markle and Harry control what is shared, unlike intrusive paparazzi photos they often criticize. In a recent speech at the Project Healthy Minds Gala, Markle spoke about parenting in the digital age, saying, “Our children Archie and Lili are still too young for social media. But like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against the dangers.”
What seemed like a simple autumn outing sparked intense online scrutiny. In the video, Markle wore a taupe padded coat with leggings and wellington boots, while Harry dressed in a khaki hoodie, jeans, and a cap. Some critics questioned the children’s clothing—Archie was initially in a jacket but later appeared in a short-sleeved t-shirt, and Lilibet wore a pink long-sleeved top with leggings—given that the day reportedly reached 76°F. Some also noted the pumpkin patch appeared nearly empty and questioned why the kids weren’t dressed as warmly as their parents.
Supporters quickly defended the family, pointing out that Archie did wear a jacket in parts of the video and Lilibet had long sleeves in others. Many emphasized that criticism was unnecessary, noting that a casual family outing should not draw intense scrutiny. One fan wrote, “Two public figures at a pumpkin patch with their kids is completely normal. If you accept paparazzi photos of other celebrities but criticize this family, you should rethink your bias.”
The incident illustrates how ordinary moments for high-profile figures can become subject to extreme public attention. What began as a simple, wholesome family activity became a polarizing topic online, highlighting the challenges celebrities face when sharing glimpses of their private lives. Critics often focus on small details, while supporters stress the couple’s careful efforts to protect their children’s privacy. Ultimately, the debate shows how parenting and celebrity collide under the magnifying glass of social media.