Meghan Markle and Prince Harry send ‘private message’ to immediate family over privacy concerns

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sent a 'private' Christmas card to the royal family and close friends, amid privacy concerns.

On Monday (December 16), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a public Christmas card which has caused quite the stir.

The card read: "On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation.

"We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year."

One of the six photos on the card saw Meghan smiling at Archie, while Harry squatted down to greet Lilibet.

But a royal insider has claimed that the couple created a 'separate' card to send to their nearest and dearest, in an attempt to keep their children's privacy.

A source who spoke to the Mirror, said: "Harry and Meghan are also sending a separate card to their close friends and family, which may feature a different snap of the family - but it will remain private."

The couple reportedly sent out a 'separate' card to close friends and family. (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

While royal fans saw a glimpse of the two young children on the publicly-published card, their faces were hidden.

A source close to the couple told People magazine: "Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.

"He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm."

The private card, which the public will not see, is said to offer a more intimate look at the family's life over the past year.

They added: "As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself."

A body language expert who commented on the card, revealed that it felt very much 'pushed' by Meghan.

They are trying to protect Archie and Lilibet's privacy. (Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)

Expert Darren Stanton revealed: "I think this card was more Meghan’s idea and how she wants them to be seen.

"It seems quite corporate and I think it’s kind of sending a message to the royals."

The couple were called out by users online for using their royal titles, despite having stepped down from their official duties in 2020.

People also had an issue with the American nature of the card, as the wished 'happy holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas'.

GB News presenter Ben Leo wrote on social media: "Harry and Meghan send out their Christmas cards - without the word ‘Christmas’ anywhere."

Another added: "How very American."