Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Christmas Card Featuring Archie Criticized On Twitter

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continued their tradition of releasing Christmas cards this year despite having left the royal family and settling down in California, but some social media users were not happy with their latest holiday card.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent their Christmas card, which is an illustration of a photo taken by Markle's mom Doria Ragland in the couple's new Montecito home, to various outlets, charities and editors.

"Gorgeous Christmas card from Prince Harry, Meghan & Archie (who looks very grown up!) via @themayhew. Based on a gorgeous family photo taken by Meghan’s mum, Doria. There’s also a lovey message, which the charity has shared on its website," tweeted one of the recipients, Daily Mirror lifestyle editor Zoe Forsey. She attached a link to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity based in London that is one of Markle's patronages.

"This year we, as a family, have made donations to several charities with you in mind," Markle is quoted as saying in the card. "From a local California organization that helps families transition out of homelessness, to two of our U.K. patronages: one that supports animal and community welfare, and the other, a memorial fund for a cherished friend that helps to educate children and fight poverty in Uganda, we have honored their work on behalf of all of us."

However, some Twitter users disapproved of its design, while others criticized Prince Harry and Markle for announcing that they made a donation in their holiday card.

"Look at us, we donated. Need attention much," one commented. "The 'lovey' message emphasizes that someone donated," another wrote.

"This card is a mess. Terrible design to be honest. So muddy and muffled. I like them as a couple but this card is a mess," a third user added.

"Gorgeous? Looks like they used some naff filter effects off 90s Photoshop...bloody awful," another wrote.

Some users felt that the couple chose to put out an illustration instead of an actual photo to hide or protect their son, Archie. Prince Harry and Markle have been very protective of their only child and rarely appear with him in public.

"Not hide him. More like protect their son from further racist abuse. You obviously don't remember what happened last year...Well his parents do! Besides Archie's a private citizen. Not public property," one user wrote.

Amid the criticism, many fans also praised the Sussexes' 2020 Christmas card.

"It's a beautiful card. Never understand jealousy and hate," one commented. "Awww, I was waiting to see their lovely Christmas card. Look how much Archie's grown! Merry Christmas you guys," another added.

"Beautiful family Christmas Portrait !!!" a third user wrote. "Wow, Archie is growing so fast! What a sweet photo of the family!" @JulieMorr commented.

Last year, Prince Harry and Markle released their first family Christmas card with son Archie through the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Twitter account. The royal charity, which supports young leaders around the world, boasts the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as its president and vice president, respectively.

The card includes a black and white photo of Markle and Prince Harry in front of their Christmas tree with baby Archie taking center stage. The image was taken by actress and photographer Janina Gavankar, who is a friend of the duchess.