On May 12, 2025, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, celebrated Mother’s Day in the United States with a rare Instagram post featuring her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet,
climbing a hill dubbed “Mama Mountain.” The post, reported by Express.co.uk, was shared amid ongoing tensions with the British royal family, particularly following Prince Harry’s controversial BBC interview. While the image was intended as a personal tribute to motherhood, it was branded a “well-timed” move by royal insiders, with some calling it a “giant f*** you” to the royals, according to Express.co.uk. The post has reignited debates about Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy and her strategic use of media.
The photo, showing Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 3, in a candid moment, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption about the joys and challenges of parenting. Meghan, who has spoken previously about her experiences as a mother, used the post to connect with her American audience, where Mother’s Day is celebrated in May. However, its timing—days after Harry’s interview, where he discussed his estrangement from King Charles—drew scrutiny. Royal expert Ailsa Anderson, a former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, told Sky News that the post could fuel speculation about the couple’s intentions, especially given Harry’s comments about his father’s health.
On X, reactions were polarized. Supporters praised Meghan’s authenticity, with one user writing, “She’s just a mum sharing a sweet moment—why the hate?” Critics, however, accused her of leveraging her royal ties for publicity, pointing to the couple’s history of high-profile media projects, including their Netflix series and Harry’s memoir Spare. The term “Mama Mountain” was seen by some as a subtle jab at the monarchy, implying Meghan’s independence from royal constraints. Others argued it was an innocent reference to her family’s life in California, far from the Buckingham Palace spotlight.
The post comes as the royal family focuses on VE Day commemorations, with Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate leading events in London. Meghan and Harry’s absence from these ceremonies, coupled with their public statements, has deepened the perception of a divided family. Palace insiders suggest the couple’s actions, including the Mother’s Day post, are calculated to maintain relevance while distancing themselves from royal duties. This narrative is complicated by Harry’s expressed desire for reconciliation, though his security concerns remain a barrier to returning to the UK.
Meghan’s post also highlights her evolving public persona, with recent reports noting her and Harry’s staffing changes, including hiring a former Bill Gates employee. As they build their brand in the US, the couple faces the challenge of balancing personal authenticity with the scrutiny that comes with their royal connections. The Mother’s Day post, while a celebration of family, has thus become a lightning rod for broader debates about their role and the monarchy’s future.
As the royal family moves forward with engagements, including Charles’ upcoming trip to Canada, Meghan’s post serves as a reminder of the ongoing transatlantic divide. Whether it was a deliberate statement or a simple family moment, it has kept the Sussexes in the headlines, ensuring their narrative remains part of the royal conversation. Photo by Genevieve, Wikimedia commons.