The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U-turn on Archie and Lilibet having a public-facing role in the future has sparked bewilderment as an insider has questioned the move.

The couple appears to be steering their young children towards a more prominent public presence.

Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, four, were explicitly referenced in a recent announcement regarding the couple’s charitable organisation.

The foundation, previously known as the Archewell Foundation, has been renamed Archewell Philanthropies after five years of operation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U-turn on Archie and Lilibet having a public-facing role in the future has sparked bewilderment as an insider has questioned the move.| GETTY

Crucially, the accompanying statement noted that this restructured entity would enable Harry, Meghan and their children to pursue global philanthropic work together as a family unit.

This marked the first occasion the Sussex children had been formally mentioned in any official communication regarding their parents’ activities.

The deliberate inclusion signals a notable departure from the couple’s previously guarded approach to their children’s public exposure.

The same day the foundation announcement was made, Meghan shared a family image on social media as part of a Christmas greeting.

The couple appears to be steering their young children towards a more prominent public presence.| GETTY

The photograph offered the most detailed glimpse of the children to date, capturing Archie embracing his father while Meghan crouched beside Lilibet, their hands intertwined, on a small wooden bridge surrounded by dappled sunlight filtering through trees.

The couple also distributed a separate Christmas card alongside an end-of-year video showcasing their charitable activities.

Both featured Archie and Lilibet participating in festive preparations, with footage showing the youngsters assisting their parents in baking biscuits for a local charity in advance of Thanksgiving.

A friend of Prince Harry has expressed bewilderment at this apparent change in direction. “I am genuinely confused,” he told the Mail.

The couple also distributed a separate Christmas card alongside an end-of-year video showcasing their charitable activities. | GETTY

The source added: “Harry and Meghan were always so insistent that their children would be able to make their own way in life without the pressure of expectations or titles.

“I can’t believe Harry is behind this. It must be Meghan’s influence.”

In March 2023, the Sussexes confirmed their children would use their royal titles, with Buckingham Palace subsequently updating the official line of succession to reflect Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.

A Sussex spokesperson stated at the time that the titles represented a birthright following their grandfather’s accession to the throne.