Harry and Meghan Zoom background hidden meaning

Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex

(Image credit: PA)

published 21 October 2020

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex change their Zoom background for the third time, we look at what messages the couple could be trying to put across...

Harry and Meghan have been taking part in a special series of TIME100 talks but they've rearranged their book collection three times in the past month.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are adapting to their new lives in Santa Barbara, California since they quit the Royal Family back in April.
The ever-changing backgrounds of their Zoom calls come as Lip reader reveals what Prince William whispered to Kate during event for Meghan and Prince Harry’s final engagement

Harry and Meghan appear to care a lot about what people see of their Santa Barbara home when they take part in Zoom calls. So much so that they've been swapping around the furnishings.

We all love to have a good move around when it comes to our homes. Whether it's done through the art of Feng Shui to help bring a different energy into the room or simply to show off our best pieces.

And the Sussexes, who have one-year-old son Archie, have proved they're no different. It's been noticed that they've made changes to what items appear in the background during their Zoom calls.

The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, took part in a special edition of TIME100 Talks to discuss the 'state of our digital experience'. They interviewed a series of guests around the topic of 'Engineering a Better World'.

Held at their $14million Santa Barbara mansion, the couple's third screen appearance from the same spot looks as if they had strategically moved the collection of books. These books had been previously been in the background but their titles were not as visible before.

What books do Harry and Meghan have on display?

The books on show included a copy of Women: National Geographic Image Collection and copies of The Black Godfather and Wood And Iron: Industrial Interiors were also on view.

They also showed off a giant crystal which was now visible behind the couple's floral display.

But what could the Harry and Meghan background swaps mean?

Well, the latest addition - the giant crystal - which looks similar to a Quartz or Celestite crystal with it's delicate blue colour, is best used to help with a restful night’s sleep.

And according to Energy Muse website, setting it on setting it on a drawer unit allows the stone to "better connect with your crown chakras". It explained, "Infusing it’s gentle, anxiety soothing energy...it eases any worries..."

What was different about Meghan's AGT TV appearance?

When Meghan made a previous appearance on America's Got Talent last month, the display behind her sofa was different - the books were stacked horizontally behind her with a different floral display.

Where the crystal now stands, used to be home to a pair of candles stood on top of wooden candle sticks.

And a separate fragranced candle that looks similar to Diptyque's Tubéreuse scented candle a sensual, captivating fragrance that evokes the smell of the white Mexican flower.

Where did the books used to be kept?

Just last week, the books were placed on a side table beside Harry when the Sussexes appeared on screen for a discussion with activist Malala Yousafzai.

The books are connected to Harry and Meghan. The Women: National Geographic Image Collection is dedicated to the lives of women from around the globe' alongside interviews. Notably it includes portraits of some of the couple's closest friends, including media mogul Oprah Winfrey and activist Jane Goodall.

And Prince Harry has links with the National Geographic, having launched a photograph competition for the organisation last September.

What hidden messages do the other books give us?

The book bearing the words The Black Godfather is a 2019 documentary film released on Netflix. It depicts the story of music executive Clarence Avant, told by the people he worked with. And it's thought to be a nod to the couple's Netflix deal.

Meanwhile the Wood And Iron: Industrial Interiors book is a guide to those wanting to decorate their home in the distinctive style.

Could this be a clue to the rest of their home interior? Only more zoom calls if different rooms will tell...

Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 15 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She has covered all things Entertainment for GoodtoKnow, Woman&Home and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand.