Meghan Markle and Prince Harry cause offence among royal fans over huge ‘issue’ on Christmas card

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Christmas card wording has sparked controversy among royal fans.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking to spread a little festive cheer as they released a new public Christmas card with an array of photos taken in the year.

One of six pictures on the card saw a rare snap of their children - Archie, five, and Lilibet, three - running towards their parents, who had their arms wide open.

The couple wrote: "On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and a joyful new year."

But some people have taken issue with the card - more specifically, its wording.

The card featured a picture of the family (Archwell foundation)

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

It seems as though the couple have adopted the American culture, as they wished people 'happy holidays' instead of Merry Christmas.

"This offends Christians all over the world," one user said.

Another added: "How very American."

A third wrote: "Holiday season is summer isn’t it?"

While another said: "Don’t bother sending a card if it’s not a Christmas card! Why bother?"

But this wasn't the only reason that people's feathers were ruffled.

The couple are keen to protect their children's privacy (PA)

It seems that despite stepping away from royal duties in 2020, they still opted to use their official titles.

One person commented: "Stop calling them Duke and Duchess, they gave up those titles when they turned their back on everything royal."

Another agreed, adding: "I don’t understand how you can milk royal titles and yet having nothing to do with anything royal."

A third said: "The 'office of'? They don’t hold office in any sector."

However, others defended the couple, as one wrote: "It’s nice that they respect their children’s privacy.

"They really have thrived away from the UK, that was a good move."

Meanwhile, fans will have noticed the couple are attempting to keep their children's identity private, as a source close to Harry revealed to 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."