Harry's deep care for his children's privacy shines through, says royal journalist

Just days after Princess Lilibet's birthday was celebrated by her proud parents, royal journalist Duncan Larcombe has shed light on the values that guide both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when it comes to their children's lives in the public eye — and the care with which they navigate that responsibility.

Harry's protective instincts as a father

Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Larcombe offered insight into Prince Harry's perspective, noting that the Duke's own experience of growing up under intense media scrutiny has given him a uniquely informed view of what it means to be a child in the spotlight.

That lived experience, Larcombe suggested, lies at the heart of Harry's commitment to shielding Archie and Lilibet from undue public attention.

"[Harry] knows what it's like being a child in the public eye, and he doesn't want that for his kids. But I think we know who wears the trousers in the relationship."

Larcombe acknowledged that the couple may approach the question of social media and their children somewhat differently, yet framed Harry's position as one born of genuine paternal care rather than conflict "There's every chance that Harry might be allowing it through gritted teeth."

He also noted that Harry's feelings on the matter are entirely consistent with everything the Duke has previously said about protecting his family.

"It will make Harry pretty uneasy, given what we know and what he's said in the past."

Meghan's principled stance on digital privacy

For her part, Meghan has drawn clear and considered boundaries around how she shares glimpses of family life online.

Her approach — carefully obscuring her children's faces in any images posted to social media — has been recognised as a deliberate expression of the values she champions publicly, including in her 10-minute address to the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

A spokesperson for the Duchess put the matter plainly in a statement to Newsweek, setting out the principle that underpins her choices.

"The Duchess has always been clear that there is a distinction between sharing moments from her life and exposing her children to public scrutiny."

"By obscuring their faces, she is demonstrating the very principle she advocates for: giving children privacy, agency, and protection in an increasingly digital world."

Together, the couple's positions reflect a shared commitment to raising their children away from unnecessary public intrusion — with each, in their own way, putting their family's wellbeing at the centre of every decision.