Now that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are independent royals, they no longer need to abide by royal protocols; the family went for a very relaxed look for the Christmas card shoot. Apparently, the duo also shunned Queen Elizabeth II by ditching the word Christmas.
The California residents shared their first Christmas card that featured both of their children, Archie and baby Lilibet Diana.
Meghan Markle, her spouse, and Archie, 2, all wore matching outfits composed of simple tops and jeans.
Markle wore a chic black turtleneck sweater and ripped jeans.
As for Prince Harry and little Archie, they went for a casual look composed of elegant dress shirts and distressed blue jeans.
Lilibet was the only one not wearing denim — she wore a cute white dress.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex accompanied the card with this sweet holiday message that read in part: “Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year, from our family to yours! As ever, Harry, Meghan, Archie & Lili.”
Many were surprised by the new holiday card because they expected Meghan Markle, a real fashionista, to have the family decked out in fancy and expensive designer clothing.
One royal expert weighed in on the photo by saying that the Duchess of Sussex, 40, her husband Prince Harry, 37, went for relaxed jeans look because they were reliving their rebellious teen years.
A commentator went on to reveal that the royal family in England was baffled by the picture and the message it conveyed.
Talking on his show, expert Neil Sean said why many inside the palace walls were left scratching their head: “According to those good sources, they were rather confused and let me explain the reasons why. As we all know Prince Harry was born a British Prince, and there’s nothing more sacred to our gracious Majesty the Queen than her Christian faith, and this particular time of year, she holds it with great affection.”
He went on to say that he thinks that Queen Elizabeth II was dismayed by the card because she was rejected by the pair.
He explained his theory by saying: “In fact, it was one of the most favorite times of the year for Her Majesty and the late Duke of Edinburgh so you can imagine I’m suspecting her dismay at the Christmas greeting which was on the cards now.”
He concluded by: “I’m told this phrase Happy Holidays is very much a Californian slang.”
Other royal experts say Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were celebrating their new freedom with the card.
