Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's latest family outing has sparked an online debate about their parenting style.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were recently seen spending quality time with their children, Archie and Lilibet, at a pumpkin patch in Montecito, California.
The video, shared on Meghan's Instagram on October 26, captured moments of Archie, seven, running through a cornfield, Lilibet, four, riding in a wagon filled with pumpkins, and the couple working together, with Meghan wheeling a wheelbarrow alongside Harry.
However, despite the heartwarming nature of the video, the Sussexes quickly came under fire for an aspect of their family’s appearance.
People comment on the Sussexes' parenting style
Some online critics took issue with how the family dressed, particularly the children, who seemed to be wearing outfits that appeared more suited for warmer weather, while the parents were bundled up in coats, hoodies, and boots.
One commenter expressed their confusion, saying: “Why are they all dressed like it is winter? It was 76°F in Montecito when they took this video. Funny how it is a PUBLIC pumpkin patch on a weekend, days before Halloween, Friday, yet they are the only ones there!”
Another comment raised concerns about the children's attire: “Strange that both parents are dressed warmly w/coat, boots, hoodie & both children are dressed for much warmer weather – bare arms & summer outfit…."
Meghan and Prince Harry have shared a rare glimpse into their family life. Credit: Instagram/@meghan
Despite the criticism, fans of the couple quickly rushed to their defense. "The boy has on a jacket in the first photo, and the daughter has long sleeves in one picture. Not sure how you missed that,” one user pointed out.
Others were more direct in their response, with one saying: "Untruth, please be kind."
But beyond the fashion choices, the Sussexes’ fans seemed to feel that the family’s outing was simply a normal, wholesome activity — a sentiment echoed by one fan who noted: "Two public figures at a pumpkin patch with their kids is literally the most normal thing for People Magazine to show in October."
Meghan and Harry Share Rare Glimpse of Archie and Lilibet
This video was significant for several reasons, not just because it was an adorable family moment but also because it marked the first time the faces of both Archie and Lilibet were seen publicly in a while.
Although the footage was blurry and fast-paced, it was the first public view of Lilibet’s face since her birthday portrait in 2022, and Archie’s face hadn't been seen since the family’s 2021 Christmas card.
Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and moved to USA with Meghan Markle. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty
Fans immediately noticed the rare glimpse. One person remarked: “While Daddy was carving a pumpkin, the kids were playing around.”
Another commented: “The video was so fast I didn’t even notice them!”
Prior to this, Meghan had been quite careful about preserving the privacy of her children. She had only shared the back of their heads in previous posts, especially as she returned to social media in early 2025.
Protecting Their Children From the Spotlight
Despite opening a window into their family life, Meghan and Harry have long been vocal about the importance of protecting their children from the pressures of public life.
In interviews, Meghan has discussed the challenges of raising children in the digital age, particularly when it comes to the potential harms children face online.
During a conversation with CBS, Meghan previously emphasized how she and Harry prioritize their children’s well-being, stating: “Our kids are young. They're three and five. They're amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them."
Prince Harry and Meghan keen their family life private. Credit: WPA Pool / Getty
She also spoke about their initiative, The Parents’ Network, which is designed to provide a safe space for families dealing with the complexities of the digital world.
Prince Harry, who has also been open about his experiences with parenting, reflected on the difficulties parents face in identifying signs of online harm.
He said: “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder. And even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to tell the signs of possible suicide."