As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to forge their own path away from the Royal Family, concerns are mounting about the lasting effects of this rift, particularly on their young children, Archie and Lilibet.

Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have remained estranged from their family across the pond.

Adding to the tensions were revelations made in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Harry and Meghan candidly discussed their struggles within the royal institution.

This was followed by the release of Harry’s candid memoir and a series of interviews in which he continued to criticise The Firm.

As the divide seemingly grows wider, royal commentator Lydia Alty has spoken of the impact on the often forgotten casualties in the ongoing royal feud, Harry and Meghan’s children.

“Where it will likely do the most damage, would be to Prince Harry’s own children, Archie and Lilibet,” Alty told GB News.

“I expect they barely know any of their wider family but Meghan’s mother’s family.

“This means they are likely being barred from their family.

“They are going to never get to know their cousins or their paternal grandfather, uncle and aunt and that can seriously affect a child, especially if their parents continue to burn bridges with the royals.”

Alty’s insights come as a close friend to Harry and Meghan recently opened up about why the pair are so secretive when it comes to their kids, revealing that it’s primarily a matter of safety.

“I think every parent wants to share their kid with the world, but they just can’t,” the friend told US Weekly.

“William’s kids, for example, have way more safety, even though they’re recognizable. And the same doesn’t apply to Meghan and Harry’s children. They know the world wants to see [them but] I would expect them to live smaller lives until that gets sorted, if it ever does.”

In addition to keeping their children away from the pressures of the public eye, the friend also disclosed that Harry and Meghan have not discussed their royal heritage with their kids but will “have those conversations in due time”.