Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be in hot water after it seems the couple allegedly gave a photographer access to the late Queen’s private apartments without Her Majesty’s permission.
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Breaking Royal protocol
An array of unseen, personal photos features in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Harry & Meghan trailer, such as snaps of their wedding, holidays, or life at Frogmore Cottage. But one might prove to be more problematic than the rest.
According to The Telegraph, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, may have broke Royal protocol by allowing a photographer access to Buckingham Palace without explicit permission from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In the photo, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen exiting, hand-in-hand, what looks like the Garden Room at Buckingham Palace. If it is indeed the Garden Room, then the couple allowed an unauthorised photographer to film scenes for their docuseries in rooms ‘directly below’ Queen Elizabeth’s private apartments. Located on the castle’s North side, it is generally only used by the Sovereign and family members and is an off-limits area for the public.
A source told The Telegraph:
There is very strict protocol about bringing a film crew or photographer. Usually, a memo would be sent to the Queen to get approval.
Previous refusals
According to reports, Prince Harry and Meghan were banned from bringing a photographer into Windsor Castle. The incident in question is when the couple wanted to capture their daughter Lilibet’s first meeting with her great-grandmother, the Queen.
They were also reportedly banned from many official Jubilee celebrations for fear they would bring their Netflixcrew with them.
One source told the publication:
It’s fair to say there was surprise to see there was a photographer. In usual circumstances, you need permission to take pictures in that area.
According to reports, palace aides lodged a written complaint about the photographer’s presence at the time of the incident, but nothing was done to make them leave.
Read more: The real reason why the Queen didn't want an official photo with Lilibet has been revealed
Slammed for hypocrisy
A source told The Telegraph that bringing an unauthorised photographer into Buckingham Palace and subsequently publishing the photos taken is a ‘genuine violation’ of the late Queen’s privacy.Prince Harry and Meghan have been bashed by Royal fans, who have taken to social media after discovering the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's transgressions.
One social media user fumed:
Can you imagine screaming privacy being violated but having the nerve to bring your own photographer here, of all places? They are two sick people
Another agreed:
It's interesting how they always think it's ok to violate somebody else's privacy and then complain about being harassed over the same thing.
So far neither Buckingham Palace, nor Prince Harry and Meghan, have responded to these allegations.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan: This is how the public is reacting to their new Netflix trailer
Sources used:
- The Mirror: Harry and Meghan slammed for ‘filming in Buckingham Palace without permission’ for Netflix
- Insider: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry brought a photographer into Buckingham Palace without the Queen's permission when she was alive, breaking royal protocol: report
- Express.co.uk: Sussexes accused of taking photographer to Palace without Queen Elizabeth II's permission
