A remarkable development has taken place as Misson Harmon, a close friend of Harry and Meghan, disclosed that a portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has been officially included in the esteemed permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The gallery, under the patronage of the Princess of Wales, welcomed this significant addition with great enthusiasm.
Harmon took to social media to share a series of captivating images capturing the moment he signed off on the portrait, expressing his deep sense of honor and pride at the portrait’s induction into the gallery’s prestigious collection.
The portrait in question was captured by Harmon during a photo session back in September 2022 when the royal couple graced the opening of the One Young World Summit in Manchester.
The striking image showcases Harry and Meghan in a tender moment, holding hands and gazing pensively into the distance, notable for its exquisite lighting and soft focus.
In other colorful snapshots from the same event, Meghan is elegantly attired in a vibrant red ensemble from the eco-conscious brand Another Tomorrow, complemented by IZER heels and gold hoops, while Prince Harry exudes sophistication in a dark blue suit.
The National Portrait Gallery stands as a custodian of one of the world’s most extensive collections of portraits spanning over six centuries.
The Princess of Wales, formerly known as the Duchess of Cambridge, assumed the role of patron in January 2012, shortly after her marriage to Prince William.
Among her initial engagements was the opening of the Lucian Freud Portraits exhibition at the gallery’s London premises.
She later collaborated on the notable lockdown photography initiative, Hold Still.
Despite her patronage, Kate does not wield influence over the selection process for portraits added to the gallery’s esteemed collection.
Misson Harmon, a vocal advocate for Harry and Meghan, has been a privileged observer of their private endeavors, often extending his coverage to their public appearances.
Notably, he was the sole photographer invited to document their recent quasi-royal visit to Nigeria, his country of birth.
Harmon also remotely captured poignant moments of Harry and the expectant Meghan in the United States, announcing their joyous anticipation of their second child.
However, a spokesperson from the National Portrait Gallery clarified that while the portrait has been delivered, there are no immediate plans for its public display, as it must undergo a meticulous cataloging process before being made available on the gallery’s website.
Recent claims made by Misson Harmon regarding the inclusion of his heavily edited portrait in the gallery’s permanent exhibition have sparked controversy.
The National Portrait Gallery swiftly responded, emphasizing that the picture is currently under evaluation to determine its suitability for display.
Contrary to Harmon’s assertions, the gallery has not initiated the evaluation process, and no final decision has been reached.
This discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of Harmon’s statements, prompting speculation about the legitimacy of his claims.
Critics have voiced skepticism over the authenticity of Harmon’s work, citing concerns about the extensive editing and manipulation evident in his portraits of Harry and Meghan.
Allegations of airbrushing and digital enhancements have cast doubt on the credibility of the images, with observers questioning the fidelity of the representations.
The contentious nature of Harmon’s photography has fueled debates about the appropriateness of featuring his work in the esteemed halls of the National Portrait Gallery, with detractors arguing that more deserving artists should be given precedence over his controversial creations.
While the fate of Misson Harmon’s portrait remains uncertain, the National Portrait Gallery faces mounting pressure to uphold its standards of artistic integrity and authenticity.
The potential inclusion of the portrait has stirred mixed reactions, with concerns raised about the perceived motivations behind its submission.