A recent photo from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son Archie’s christening has sparked controversy as it marks the third picture that the royal family has faced accusations of editing.
The incident was brought to light by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, March 19th, revealing that Getty Images raised concerns about a July 2019 picture of the royals being digitally altered.
The image, captured by photographer Chris Allerton, features a gathering including Harry, Meghan holding baby Archie, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and Princess Diana’s sisters.
Photographer Chris Allerton swiftly dismissed the allegations, labeling the claims as baseless and unfounded.
Amidst the uproar, Meghan’s close friend Meesan Harriman took to social media to express his dismay over the situation.
Harriman emphasized that Getty Images should not have appended an editor’s note to Allerton’s image and hinted at a forthcoming statement from the media agency.
Speculation arose regarding Archie’s age in the photo, questioning how he could be two months old when the pictures were taken merely two days post his reported birth.
Notably, the image was originally shared via Sussex Royal on Instagram, adding to the intrigue surrounding its authenticity.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail featured an article on reborn dolls, prompting speculation on potential hidden meanings or messages.
Further scrutiny focused on discrepancies within the photo, such as Catherine wearing blue on the day of Archie’s christening, yet appearing in pink in the image.
Observers also noted peculiarities in the attire of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, particularly a visible alteration in Catherine’s blouse and collar.
These anomalies led to discussions on potential photo manipulation and its implications.
The unfolding saga drew comparisons to past royal controversies, with suggestions that Meghan Markle’s actions instigated a chain of events leading to the scrutiny of Catherine’s photos.
Critics argued that while minor edits for aesthetic purposes are acceptable, creating a fabricated image with added individuals, notably a non-existent child, crosses ethical boundaries.
The copyright details of the official christening photo further fueled the debate, highlighting tensions surrounding the use of Sussex Royal branding post-Megxit.
Online analysis on platforms like Reddit delved deeper into the perceived inconsistencies within the christening photo, pointing out discrepancies in the sharpness and contrast levels between the subjects and the background.
Allegations of a collage-like composition emerged, suggesting that the individuals may have been superimposed onto a separate room setting, raising doubts about the authenticity of the entire scene.
As the controversy surrounding the christening photo continues to unfold, it underscores the delicate balance between image manipulation, transparency, and public perception within the realm of royal affairs.
The ongoing scrutiny serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in shaping narratives and preserving historical accuracy, urging a closer examination of media representations in the digital age.