Royal photographer reveals ‘tricky’ backstory behind ‘iconic’ farewell photo of Duke and Duchess of Sussex

A royal photographer has revealed the ‘tricky’ backstory behind an iconic photo of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle.
- Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle were seen in a number of lovely photos earlier this year as they embarked on their official farewell tour.
- And now a royal photographer has revealed the ‘tricky’ backstory behind one of their most iconic shots.
- In other royal news, Duchess Meghan Markle wore a gorgeous new necklace with an important meaning behind it.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan embarked on their farewell tour earlier this year just weeks before they officially stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family.
And the Duke and Duchess kicked off their last few weeks of royal engagements with an appearance at the Endeavour Awards, where the couple were snapped in what has become an iconic photo.
And now royal photographer Samir Hussein has admitted the 'tricky' way in which the shot of the pair lovingly beaming at each other under a rainy umbrella came about, revealing how the Duke and Duchess felt about the lovely photo.
“I spoke to some of their team and they were really happy about it and talking about it,” Samir revealed to Us Weekly.
“It was pouring down with rain, which can be very tricky when shooting flash photography,” the photographer also admitted to Vogue.
“[It] also meant Harry and Meghan would be under an umbrella, which usually means it’s hard to get clean photos of the couple," he continued. "Little did I know these elements would come together so spectacularly to produce a timeless image.”
MORE: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan set to reveal something very exciting next week
“As they walked toward me, I noticed a flash going off from a camera in the crowd behind them,” Samir explained. “I knew that if that light could be lined up to be right behind as they walked, then it could create a dramatic photo, acting like a backlight in a studio shot.
"I managed to manoeuvre myself to line up the flash behind them and then had to work quickly, with just a second or two to get the shot as they smiled wonderfully at each other.
“It’s a one in a million," he admitted, "when all the elements you could wish for as a photographer come together—perfect timing, great lighting, strong symbolism, and amazing subjects".
MORE: Prince Harry lands first post-royal role as he stars in special video
The photographer, who says he's been all over the world with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also talked about how he feels now that the couple have stepped down and moved over to Los Angeles.
“I’m really disappointed that I won’t get to photograph them so much anymore,” he admitted. “I’ve really, really enjoyed photographing them. I’m going to miss photographing them.”
-
Britney Spears reassures fans that she's 'extremely happy' in Instagram video
The star had been posting a series of odd photos and videos
By Sarah Finley •
-
The Queen could move permanently to Windsor Castle to be near Prince Philip
The Duke is buried underneath the chapel
By Sarah Finley •
-
Meghan Markle sent a thoughtful wreath with a handwritten note to mark Prince Philip's funeral
She watched the funeral from her home in California
By Sarah Finley •
-
Helen McCrory's husband Damian Lewis shares an emotional tribute to his late wife
The actor called her 'brilliant' and a people person
By Sarah Finley •
-
Sharon Osbourne gives her first interview since quitting The Talk
She appeared on a US chat show
By Sarah Finley •
-
The Queen looks solitary sitting alone, as she bids a final farewell to husband Prince Philip
The Monarch occupied a row to herself due to Covid-19 restrictions at the funeral of her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh
By Lauren Hughes •
-
The Duchess of Cambridge's subtle tribute to the Queen at Prince Philip's funeral
The Royal Family bid an emotional farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh today
By Lauren Hughes •
-
Mike Tindall shares a candid photograph of Prince Philip and great-granddaughter Mia Tindall - and it's such a beautiful moment
The photograph was taken by the Duchess of Cambridge
By Lauren Hughes •