Meghan Markle Highlights Joy of Family in Holiday Message Amid Father's Investigation

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wrote a holiday message for her lifestyle brand As Ever’s 2026 catalog, noting that her children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, bring her joy. She said the year reminded her of “how much joy can be found in the moments that make up a life,” and mentioned “evening snuggles with my children,” travel, garden time and building her business as sources of happiness. Markle also referred to “an autumn of new adventures,” alluding to the family’s recent relocation to the United Kingdom.

"All of it has mattered. All of it has felt meaningful," she wrote.

She described the holidays as an occasion to gather, create, and give generously, thanking As Ever customers for sharing their joy and welcoming the brand into their homes.

The message comes as her estranged father, Thomas Markle, is under police investigation for alleged possession of child sexual-abuse images. Thomas Jr. said he turned the material over to authorities in July, while Thomas Sr. denied the allegations. Meghan Markle said she has been “deeply distressed” by the claims and reiterated that her decision to limit contact with her father was intended to protect her children.

"Any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children was for one reason: to protect them," Markle stated.

The Sussex family has reportedly left the United Kingdom after moving back there in August. Markle previously wrote a letter to her father during his recovery from a leg amputation, indicating she would not maintain contact.