Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face backlash as their holiday card, omitting the word “Christmas,” ignites outrage among royal enthusiasts.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again found themselves at the centre of controversy, this time over their annual holiday card. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex omitted the word “Christmas” in their festive message, sparking a wave of anger from royal fans who took issue with the wording.
The card, unveiled on Monday, reads: “We Wish You a Very Happy Holiday Season and a Joyful New Year,” accompanied by the couple’s titles and branding from their Archewell Productions and Foundation. While the message radiates positivity, the absence of the word “Christmas” has rubbed some royal enthusiasts the wrong way, fuelling accusations of sidelining tradition.
The card itself features a mix of highlights from the Sussexes’ year. Among the photographs are moments from the couple’s tours to Nigeria and Colombia, as well as Prince Harry’s solo trip to Lesotho. But the real show-stealer was a heartwarming new image of their children, Prince Archie, aged five, and Princess Lilibet, aged three, included in the card’s design.
Despite its family-oriented focus, some fans couldn’t look past what they saw as a glaring omission. Critics flooded social media with complaints about the lack of the word “Christmas,” viewing it as a deliberate choice by the couple. GB News presenter Ben Leo commented: “Harry and Meghan send out their Christmas cards – without the word ‘Christmas’ anywhere.”
This isn’t the first time the Duke and Duchess have drawn criticism for their decisions surrounding royal traditions. Meghan and Harry’s move to the United States, their choice to step back from royal duties, and their pursuit of a more independent public life have long been points of contention. Now, their approach to holiday greetings has added fuel to the fire, with some accusing them of undermining quintessential British festive customs.
Supporters, however, were quick to defend the couple, arguing that the phrase “Happy Holiday Season” is an inclusive expression that embraces all celebrations at this time of year, not just Christmas. Others pointed out that modern holiday greetings have evolved and that the Sussexes’ message was consistent with global trends.
Still, this latest episode reignites the divide between the Sussexes and their critics. For some, the omission of a single word represents more than just a seasonal greeting—it symbolises a perceived detachment from their royal roots and British traditions.
As the debate rages online, Harry and Meghan remain silent on the backlash, choosing instead to let their card and its message stand on its own. Whether intentional or not, the wording has once again placed the couple at the forefront of a cultural conversation about tradition, modernity, and inclusivity.
The card’s release coincided with the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation impact report, highlighting their humanitarian efforts throughout the year. With their global influence, the couple continues to carve out their unique identity, even if it occasionally courts controversy.
For now, the Sussexes’ supporters and detractors alike will likely continue to dissect their every move, ensuring that even a simple holiday card becomes a moment of royal scrutiny.
