As Prince Harry marked his 40th birthday, the royal family’s social media accounts featured a familiar photo, but it stirred up quite a buzz.
The picture, which shows Harry smiling in a gray suit, was posted by King Charles and Prince William to celebrate the milestone. However, it seems there’s more to this photo than meets the eye.
Prince Harry’s Birthday Photo Controversy
The image in question was taken in July 2018 during a visit to Dogpatch Labs in Dublin, Ireland. It shows Harry and Meghan Markle during their first trip abroad as a married couple.
But while the royal accounts shared a version of the photo that focused solely on Harry, the original shot includes Meghan sitting next to him.
The royal office confirmed that the image used was not altered. They clarified that the version of the photo used for the birthday posts was simply a closer crop of the original.
Photographer Jimmy Rainford had provided two versions of the same picture to Getty Images: one wider shot including Meghan and a more focused image of Harry alone.
The choice to use a solo image of Harry might seem curious, especially considering the recent strains in family relationships. The royal family’s decision to publicly acknowledge Harry’s birthday with this particular photo came as a surprise, given that such public birthday wishes are typically reserved for working royals.
Prince Harry celebrated his special day privately in Montecito, California, surrounded by close friends and family. Despite the ongoing family tensions, the unexpected birthday greetings from King Charles and Prince William could be seen as a gesture of goodwill or a step towards mending fences.
Looking ahead, Harry is set to travel to New York City later this month to support causes close to his heart, including initiatives linked to his mother’s legacy.