The royals are already spiraling over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s docuseries, Harry & Meghan, and all that’s been released so far is one single trailer. But a lot was packed into that 1:12 minute sneak peak—including this photo of Meghan and Harry that was, apparently, taken at Buckingham Palace without permission. And already, the one photo alone is creating drama in the palace because of protocol. (Yes, one photo, despite the trailer’s far more problematic claims about the treatment of women who marry into the family.
According to The Telegraph, this image was snapped inside Buckingham Palace’s garden entrance, and the outlet “understands that the presence of the photograph was the subject of a written palace complaint at the time” due to the lack of permission. Apparently, the Sussexes “are not thought to have been made personally aware of the warning,” and the photographer wasn’t asked to leave.
“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,” one source tells the outlet, while another adds, “There is very strict protocol about bringing a film crew or photographer. Usually a memo would be sent to the Queen to get approval.”
Another source described the photographer’s presence as a “genuine violation” of the Queen’s household, saying the news of his presence “wouldn’t have taken long for it to go round the building.”
The first three episodes of Harry & Meghan premiere on December 8, while the second three premiere on December 15. Per Netflix, “The series explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution. With commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the royal family’s relationship with the press, the series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other.”
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm, She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.