Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest endeavor to immortalize their self-importance through yet another black-and-white photo session has hit a significant roadblock.
London’s esteemed National Portrait Gallery has officially declined to showcase a portrait of the couple, leaving them facing an unexpected setback. The Sussexes, who seemingly believe that every spontaneous moment of their lives warrants a place in a museum, have received a rejection slip for this particular photo. Captured by their close friend Misan Harriman just months after they stepped back from royal duties in a dramatic fashion, this image was intended to be included in the gallery’s permanent collection.
Clearly, Harry and Meghan felt that their every breath deserved to be immortalized, but the gallery decided to rain on their parade, and the photograph will instead languish in the archives where it belongs.
Misan Harriman, who appears to have overestimated his prowess as a photographer, proudly claimed that his portrait of the Sussexes was part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. “I’m humbled and proud,” he wrote, perhaps anticipating accolades from the Sussex Squad. However, the gallery quickly clarified that, while the portrait has been acquired, it will not be displayed in the near future, if ever. The Sussexes, whose lives often resemble an endless Instagram filter, may have envisioned their image adorning the walls of this prestigious institution. Instead, it seems the photograph will be stored away, perhaps next to a collection of royal thank-you notes that will never be sent.
If you are not already aware, Harriman, often mocked by those who are not captivated by his relentless self-promotion, has a penchant for embellishing his accomplishments, much like his close friends Harry and Meghan. In May 2024, he proudly proclaimed that the portrait was now part of the gallery's permanent collection, extolling his honor and pride in an eye-roll-inducing manner. However, merely acquiring a photograph does not guarantee it will be displayed; it is more akin to a "we'll see" situation. Harriman's grand announcement turned out to be yet another inflated moment in a long line of PR missteps associated with the Sussexes.
Interestingly, Omid Scobie, another member of the Sussex publicity team, has remained conspicuously silent lately. Could it be that the Sussex PR machine is running out of steam? One can only hope. As anticipated, when challenges arise for Meghan and Harry, their devoted fans seek a scapegoat. Enter the Princess of Wales. The Sussex Squad has begun to point fingers at Catherine, alleging that she somehow obstructed the portrait’s exhibition. Conspiracy theories are swirling faster than one can imagine, reminiscent of a wardrobe malfunction involving Meghan Markle. This is yet another desperate attempt to divert attention from the simple truth: the portrait simply didn’t make the cut.
This situation represents not only a setback for Misan Harriman but also another entry in the growing list of the Sussexes' failures. Time and again, Harry and Meghan’s efforts to sustain their relevance have stumbled, and this incident is merely the latest in a series of miscalculations. They seem so preoccupied with crafting their own mythos that they have lost touch with reality; not every moment is historic or worthy of note. Sometimes, it’s just another cringe-inducing photograph destined for a storage room.
Ultimately, this entire fiasco serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how fervently Harry and Meghan promote their brand, the world isn’t always eager to embrace what they have to offer. The National Portrait Gallery has spoken, and let’s just say the verdict is far from flattering. Perhaps it’s time for the Sussexes to step back and recognize that not everyone is clamoring for yet another black-and-white portrait of royal rebels.
