Okay, so Princess Lilibet turned four this week. And once again, we got the classic Sussex treatment.
Two birthday photos from Meghan Markle that show... well, basically nothing. A newborn shot where you can barely make out anything, and another current photo where they've strategically hidden most of her face. Again.
I was watching HOAR's Royal Exclusive show the other day (don't judge me, it's my guilty pleasure), and former Sun Royal Correspondent Charles Rae said something that made me laugh out loud. He called Lilibet the "jigsaw girl" because over four years, all we've seen are random body parts - an ankle here, maybe a forehead there, definitely a nose at some point.
God, he's not wrong though.
The Great Face Hide-and-Seek Championship
Look, I get it. Privacy matters, especially when it comes to kids. But this whole partial-face thing has gotten bizarre at this point. The last time we actually saw Lilibet's full face was her first birthday photo back in 2022. That's three years ago!
Since then? We've gotten the back of her head in a beekeeper suit (cute, but come on), more shots from behind, and now these birthday photos that show "almost her whole face" - which is generous phrasing if I've ever heard it.
Royal expert Sarah Hewson pointed out something interesting during that same show. She said we know practically nothing about this kid because Harry and Meghan moved to California and became Fort Knox with their privacy. Fair enough - their safety is apparently a huge concern.
But Wait, There's More Hypocrisy
Here's where it gets messy.
Meghan launched her Instagram comeback in January, and suddenly we're getting more glimpses of the kids. Still carefully curated, still mostly from behind, but more frequent. The host Bronte Coy called out what we're all thinking - they've been accused of hypocrisy before in this area.
One minute they're demanding complete privacy, the next they're strategically releasing content on their own terms through Meghan's platform. I mean, it's their choice as parents, but you can see why people find it... confusing.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate are over there with George, Charlotte, and Louis, being way more open about sharing family moments. Sure, they're careful about it, but they recognize their kids will eventually be part of public life. They're funded by taxpayers. There's an expectation of some access.
The $12 Million Montecito Fortress
The Sussex family is living in their star-studded California bubble now - that massive £12 million mansion in Montecito with six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet. They stepped down from royal duties back in 2020, so technically they can do whatever they want.
But this jigsaw puzzle approach to sharing photos? It's just weird.
Charles Rae summed it up perfectly: "This sort of half bits of the child, it doesn't do anything for me." And honestly, same. Either share proper family photos or don't - but this strategic body-part reveal thing feels more like a marketing strategy than genuine family sharing.
I'm all for protecting kids from the media circus. But when you're releasing content on your own Instagram account, calling it privacy protection while simultaneously using your children for engagement... well, that's a choice.
Poor Lilibet's going to need therapy just to figure out what her own face looks like in family photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of royalty?
There are several types of royalty, including constitutional monarchs who have limited powers defined by a constitution, absolute monarchs who hold complete authority, and ceremonial monarchs who perform symbolic duties without governing powers.
What is royalty?
Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
What are some controversies surrounding royalty?
Controversies surrounding royalty can include issues of privilege, the relevance of monarchy in modern society, and scandals involving royal family members. These situations often spark public debate and media scrutiny.
Statistics
- The British Royal Family, one of the most recognized royal families, has an estimated annual expenditure of around £100 million.
- The global fascination with royal families is evident, as books, films, and documentaries about them frequently top bestseller lists and viewership ratings.
- The average age of reigning monarchs worldwide is approximately 63 years old, reflecting both longevity and the hereditary nature of royal succession.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- In Sweden, the monarchy has been a constitutional institution since 1809, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving since 1973.
- Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
- In Thailand, the monarchy is deeply respected, with laws that prohibit criticism of the royal family, making it one of the strictest in the world regarding royal defamation.
External Links
How To
How To Trace Your Royal Ancestry
Tracing royal ancestry requires diligent research and access to historical records. Start by gathering as much information as possible about your family tree, including names, birth dates, and locations. Utilize online genealogy databases such as Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org to locate records. Look for documentation like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and census data. You may also consult specialized resources on nobility and heraldry to identify connections to royal lines. Collaboration with local historians or joining genealogical societies can provide additional insight and support in your quest for royal heritage.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
