Sussex Royal Christening Controversy Unveiled

A recent photo from the christening of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie, has stirred up controversy, marking the third instance where the royal family is under scrutiny for alleged image manipulation.

The Daily Mail disclosed on Tuesday, March 19th, that Getty Images raised concerns about a July 2019 picture featuring the royals, suggesting digital alterations.

The photograph, captured by Chris Allerton, includes Prince Harry, Meghan, holding a then two-month-old Archie, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, and Princess Diana's sisters.

Photographer Chris Allerton dismissed the accusations, labeling them as baseless claims in an interview with the media outlet.

Amidst the uproar, Meghan's close friend, Meesan Harriman, took to social media to express his dismay over Getty Images' decision to attach an editor's note to Allerton's image.

Harriman hinted at a forthcoming statement from Getty Images addressing the matter.

However, questions arose regarding Archie's age, given that the photos were supposedly taken just two days after his birth, a fact supported by the date stamp.

The controversy deepened with speculations linking the incident to an article in the Daily Mail discussing reborn dolls, hinting at possible connections.

The piece shed light on the increasing trend of Britons investing substantial sums, up to £20,000, on lifelike dolls.

Moreover, discrepancies emerged in Catherine's attire, as she was seen wearing blue on the day of Archie's christening, contrasting with the pink ensemble depicted in the photo.

Observers also noted anomalies in the images, such as Catherine's blouse appearing altered with visible clipping and collar inconsistencies.

The scrutiny extended to Meghan Markle, with critics alleging her involvement in initiating a wave of photoshopped images targeting Catherine.

Calls were made for equal treatment in scrutinizing past royal photos, including those of the late Queen and Princess Diana.

The debate escalated, questioning the ethics of editing photos to enhance their appeal, particularly in cases where individuals are digitally added, raising doubts about authenticity.

The official christening photo, bearing the copyright of Sussex Royal, stirred further controversy due to its association with Meghan and Harry.

The image's attribution to Chris Allerton or Sussex Royal, along with the copyright vested in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, fueled ongoing debates.

Speculations emerged online, suggesting the possibility of the christening photo being a composite collage, with discrepancies in the sharpness and contrast levels between the background and individuals present.

Critics pointed out inconsistencies in the photo, such as the absence of reflections from light-colored clothing and discrepancies in the room's lighting, hinting at potential image manipulation.

The unfolding revelations led to increased scrutiny and skepticism surrounding the authenticity of the christening photo, raising questions about the integrity of royal imagery.

As discussions continue to unfold online, the controversy surrounding the Sussex Royal christening photo underscores the complexities of modern image editing practices and the challenges of maintaining transparency in media representations.