Harry and Meghan’s photographer reveals hidden meaning behind pregnancy announcement

Photographer Misan Harriman is a longtime friend of the couple

Announcement comes just days after duchess’ privacy victory over Mail on Sunday (PA)

The photographer who captured the Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s black and white pregnancy picture has revealed the meaning behind the image.

Harry and Meghan announced that they were expecting a younger sibling for their one-year-old son Archie on 14 February.

A spokesperson for the couple said: “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”

It comes after Meghan revealed last year that she had suffered a miscarriage in July.

The couple announced their news on Valentine’s Day and shared a black and white photo of them together, which was shot remotely on an iPad from London by their long-time friend and photographer Misan Harriman.

“Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!”

Harriman revealed that he had a part to play in the couple meeting for the first time, telling British Vogue, Meghan “wouldn’t have met” Harry if he hadn’t introduced her to a mutual friend.

He said: “To be asked to help share this absolute joy after such an unimaginable loss and heartache is a marker of true friendship.

“Meg reminded me that had I not introduced her to a mutual friend then she wouldn’t have met Harry.

“I’m grateful for whatever small part I played.”

Harriman also revealed the meaning behind the image he captured, including what the outdoor setting represented to the couple.

He said: “With the tree of life behind them and the garden representing fertility, life and moving forward, they didn’t need any direction, because they are, and always have been, waltzing through life together as absolute soulmates.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and entire family are delighted and wish them well.”

It is understood Harry and Meghan told the palace in advance of sharing their news publicly.

The new baby will be eighth in line to the British throne, one step down from their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who was born in May 2019.

The couple quit their roles as senior working royals last year and now live in Montecito in California.

Harry retained his place in the line of succession despite quitting royal life, and dropping his HRH style.

When Harry and Meghan’s new child arrives, Prince Andrew, who was born second in line in 1960, will move down to ninth place.

The first seven places will remain the same – the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Harry, and Archie.

In November last year, Meghan revealed she suffered a miscarriage several months earlier.

The 39-year-old published a powerful essay in The New York Times recalling a morning in July when she felt a “sharp cramp” while changing the nappy of her son.  

“I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right,” the Duchess wrote.

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.”