The christening photo featuring Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and baby Archie has stirred controversy, marking the third instance where the royal family is accused of digital manipulation.
Reported by the Daily Mail on March 19th, Getty Images allegedly altered a July 2019 picture of the Royals, purportedly enhancing the original snap captured by photographer Chris Allerton. In the image, Harry and Meghan are seen holding a then two-month-old Archie alongside other royals including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, Megan's mother Doria, and Princess Diana's sisters.
However, Allerton has refuted these allegations, dismissing them as baseless. Responding to the claims, a close friend of Meghan and Harry took to social media expressing disbelief, insisting that Getty Images wrongly added an editor's note to the photo. The discrepancy regarding Archie's age at the time of the picture is also highlighted, as it was allegedly taken just two days after his birth, challenging the timeline presented. Furthermore, the photo's release by Sussex Royal on Instagram raises questions, especially considering the ongoing speculation surrounding it.
Meanwhile, amidst discussions about reborn dolls sparked by a Daily Mail article, attention is drawn to details in the christening photo. Notably, Princess Catherine is observed wearing blue on the day of Archie's christening, yet the photo depicts her in pink attire. Additionally, scrutiny falls on the Duchess of Cambridge's departure from the Queen's Burke Residence at approximately 1:00 p.m., where anomalies in the photo editing process are pointed out, such as the clipped edge of Catherine's blouse and inconsistencies in the collar photoshopping. These observations fuel speculation and comparisons, with suggestions that Meghan's influence may have influenced the alleged alterations.
The scrutiny extends to the copyright details of the christening photo, attributed to Sussex Royal despite claims that the late Queen barred such usage. An analysis on Reddit further questions the authenticity of the image, noting disparities in sharpness and contrast between the individuals and the background. Suspicion grows as discrepancies in reflections and inconsistencies in clothing become apparent, leading to allegations of collage-like composition rather than a genuine snapshot.
In essence, the christening photo debacle not only raises questions about digital manipulation but also underscores the intricacies of royal imagery and the scrutiny it invites. Whether the allegations hold true or not, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the portrayal of the royal family and the narratives that accompany their public appearances.
