Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest attempt at cementing their legacy through yet another black-and-white photo session has hit an unexpected obstacle.
London's prestigious National Portrait Gallery has officially rejected a portrait of the couple. The Sussexes, who seemingly believe every candid moment of their lives is worthy of museum preservation, have been handed a resounding rejection. The photograph in question, taken by their close friend, Misan Harriman, was snapped just months after the couple made their dramatic exit from royal duties.
This image, apparently meant to become part of the gallery's permanent collection, reflects the Sussexes' belief that every breath they take deserves a golden frame. However, the gallery made it clear that they weren’t buying into this narrative, and the photograph will instead gather dust in the archives.
Misan Harriman, who seems to consider himself a master of photography, proudly proclaimed that his portrait of the Sussexes was now part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. "I’m humbled and proud," he wrote, no doubt expecting an outpouring of applause from the ever-supportive Sussex fan base. However, the gallery swiftly corrected the record, stating that while the portrait had indeed been acquired, it would not be displayed anytime soon—if ever. The Sussexes, whose lives often seem like one continuous Instagram filter, may have imagined themselves gracing the walls of one of London’s most esteemed galleries, but the reality is far less glamorous. The photo, for now, will be filed away, perhaps alongside a collection of royal thank-you notes that the couple will never receive.
For those unfamiliar, Misan Harriman—sarcastically dubbed “Megamind” by critics who are unimpressed by his self-promotion—has a reputation for exaggerating his accomplishments. Much like his close friends, Harry and Meghan, he tends to overhype his achievements. In May 2024, he boasted about the portrait being included in the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection, gushing about the supposed honor in a manner that invited eye-rolls. However, merely acquiring a photograph does not guarantee it will be displayed. It’s more of a "wait and see" situation. Harriman’s grand announcement turned out to be just another overblown moment in the long series of Sussex-related public relations missteps.
Harriman isn’t the only one spinning narratives. Omid Scobie, another prominent figure in the Sussexes' media circle, has been notably quiet lately, perhaps signaling that their PR machine is running out of steam. One can only hope. As is often the case when things go awry for Meghan and Harry, their die-hard fans need someone to blame. Enter the Princess of Wales. The Sussex Squad, in a familiar display of finger-pointing, has begun accusing Catherine of somehow blocking the portrait from being exhibited. Conspiracy theories have started swirling faster than a Meghan Markle wardrobe malfunction, with fans grasping at straws to divert attention from the simple truth: the portrait simply didn’t make the cut.
This isn’t just a loss for Misan Harriman—it's another failure in the Sussexes' ongoing struggle to maintain their relevance. Time and time again, Harry and Meghan’s attempts to uphold their public image have fallen flat, and this is just the latest example. They seem so intent on building their mythos that they’ve lost touch with reality. Not every moment they capture is a historical event in the making—sometimes, it’s just another cringeworthy photo destined for storage.
In the end, this entire fiasco serves as a reminder that no matter how persistently Harry and Meghan push their brand, the world isn’t always eager to embrace what they’re selling. The National Portrait Gallery has spoken, and the verdict is far from flattering. Perhaps it’s time for the Sussexes to step back and realize that not every black-and-white portrait of so-called royal rebels is destined for a place in history.
