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The 'fake' photo in Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary

This image from the trailer shows official photographers at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, in July 2011 - not paparazzi hounding the Sussexes - Netflix
This image from the trailer shows official photographers at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, in July 2011 - not paparazzi hounding the Sussexes - Netflix

A photograph used in a trailer for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary, purportedly showing how the couple were hounded by the press, has no connection to the Royal family, it has emerged.

The black and white image shows a bank of photographers holding up long lenses and apparently clamouring for a shot.

But rather than pursuing Harry and Meghan, they were at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, in July 2011. As accredited members of the press, they were taking pictures of celebrities on the red carpet.

The event took place five years before the Duke and Duchess met. No members of the Royal family were present.

The image features in the one-minute Harry & Meghan trailer, released last week and is immediately followed by a clip of the Duke saying: “I had to do everything I could to protect my family.

Several images of newspapers being printed and handed out on the streets are then shown, the inference being that the couple will talk about their fraught relationship with the British tabloids and their experience of life in the public eye.

The use of such an image to convey a particular message has been criticised by royal experts who suggested that because it is “fake” it weakens the Duke’s argument.

It is the second photograph used in the trailer that has caused controversy.

Another appears to have been taken inside Buckingham Palace and is thought to have been the subject of a written palace complaint.

The professional, black and white image (below) shows the couple with their backs to the camera, apparently walking out of the garden entrance.

The professional, black and white image shows the couple with their backs to the camera, apparently walking out of the garden entrance - Netflix
The professional, black and white image shows the couple with their backs to the camera, apparently walking out of the garden entrance - Netflix

Anyone wishing to film or shoot at the palace requires permission, with "strict protocol" surrounding imagery in what is considered private quarters.

The presence of the Duke and Duchess’s private photographer is understood to have been the subject of a written Palace complaint at the time, as the couple had not asked permission to shoot inside.

"It's fair to say there was surprise to see a photographer," one source told the Telegraph.  However, the photographer was not asked to leave.

The Sussexes are not thought to have been made aware of the warning.

The first instalment of the six-part Netflix series is expected to be released on Thursday.

But for the Royal family, it will be “business as usual” as they attempt to "keep calm and carry on".

It is thought unlikely they will respond to potential attacks from the Sussexes.

The King’s attitude towards the latest drama from the California-based couple has been described as one of "weariness".