Photographer Misan Harriman Defends Authenticity of Meghan Markle Pregnancy Photo, Reveals Unedited Image

Misan Harriman Denies Editing Meghan Markle Pregnancy Photo

Courtesy of Misan Harriman/Facebook

Photographer Misan Harriman, 46, denied allegations that he heavily edited Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2021 pregnancy announcement. In an Instagram video on Wednesday, March 13, he addressed claims made in an article by the Daily Mail. Harriman clarified that he did not doctor the pregnancy announcement portrait by switching out trees and meadows, as suggested. He emphasized that the accusations were unfounded and called the situation "crazy."

Daily Mail reported that Harriman talked about the portrait session in a 2022 interview on the BBC Radio 3 podcast. The article suggested that the radio host hinted that Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, were not under a willow tree when Harriman took the picture.

Harriman responded, "They were actually at home in their garden, lost in their love, feeling comfortable, and celebrating new joy," during the interview.

Harriman explained on Wednesday that during a conversation, he was talking about the technology he used for shooting during lockdown. He mentioned that he was asked leading questions.

He described leading questions as when journalists make a statement as a fact and hope for a response or additional information. Harriman shared that he often encounters this when it comes to discussions about Harry and Meghan. Instead of getting involved in gossip or intrigue, he prefers to steer the conversation back on track. This is how he handles such situations.

Misan Harriman Denies Editing Meghan Markle Pregnancy Photo

Misan Harriman. Courtesy of Misan Harriman/Instagram

In February 2021, Harry and Meghan shared a photo taken by Harriman to announce that they were expecting their second child. Meghan gave birth to their daughter, Princess Lilibet, in June 2021. She is considered their rainbow baby after Meghan previously experienced a miscarriage.

At the time of the announcement, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed, "We can confirm that [Prince] Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child."

In the original black-and-white photo taken by Harriman, Meghan was seen lying on the ground, cradling her baby bump while Harry stroked her hair and smiled. Harriman is puzzled by how the photo and his comments on a podcast could be twisted to imply guilt.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Harriman expressed his confusion, stating, “How could a simple conversation lead to accusations of me manipulating an image? This is harmful and misleading.” He clarified that any mention of meadows and willow trees was brought up by the interviewer, not himself. Harriman tried to stay focused on the topic he wanted to discuss and disregarded the distractions.

Misan Harriman Denies Editing Meghan Markle Pregnancy Photo

Courtesy of Misan Harriman/Instagram

Harriman uploaded his original Jpeg without the black and white grade to Instagram. He clarified that no trees or meadows were altered in the image. He also pointed out that the tree in the picture is a Jacaranda Tree, not a willow tree.

Harriman recently shared a beautiful full-color image taken with an 8th-generation iPad back camera. The photo was captured during a virtual portrait session amidst the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

Harriman's comments followed criticism towards Princess Kate Middleton for editing a family photo.

Kate, who is 42 years old, recently had abdominal surgery in January. She shared an update on her recovery on Sunday, March 10, in honor of Mother's Day in the U.K. To mark the occasion, she posted a new family photo taken by her husband, Prince William, earlier this year. In the picture, Kate is with her sons, Prince George who is 10 years old, Prince Louis who is 5 years old, and her daughter, Princess Charlotte who is 8 years old.

Shortly after the photo was released, several news outlets were quick to issue a “kill notice” to remove the image from their websites. This was because there were claims that the photo had been altered by the source. The picture also led to speculation from royal enthusiasts about Kate's health, as some believed that the image had been Photoshopped.

Kate addressed the criticism she received by issuing a statement. In the statement posted on social media, she mentioned that she, like many other beginner photographers, sometimes tries out editing techniques. Kate also apologized for any confusion caused by the edited family photo that was shared the day before. She ended her statement by wishing everyone a happy Mother's Day.

Editor's P/S:

The allegations against Misan Harriman and the subsequent criticism of Princess Kate Middleton's edited family photo highlight the scrutiny and speculation that often surround the British royal family. The public's fascination with the royals can lead to intense scrutiny of their every move, including their personal lives and public appearances. This scrutiny can sometimes lead to unfounded accusations and misunderstandings, as seen in the case of Harriman's pregnancy announcement portrait.

It is important to approach such allegations and criticisms with a critical and discerning mindset. While the public has a right to hold public figures accountable, it is equally important to avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading misinformation. Respecting the privacy of individuals and verifying information before making accusations is crucial in maintaining a fair and balanced discourse. Kate Middleton's apology for editing a family photo, while well-intentioned, reveals the need for a more balanced approach to celebrity culture. It's essential to encourage authenticity while respecting the privacy and choices made by individuals in the public eye.