Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s long-awaited Netflix docuseries is finally here to stream, and many viewers noticed something “strange” about some of the footage within the first three episodes.
This week, Harry & Meghan premiered on the streaming service, and some social media users were quick to point out hours after its release that several of the photos used in the trailer were actually from other events. The couple’s team has since spoken out, clarifying that using stock images and other footage like it is “standard practice” when making documentaries.
Though voiceovers feature the Sussexes talking about how they were targeted by the press, clips of aggressive media coverage came from events where they weren’t present.https://t.co/USaIHhYepQ
— BuzzFeed UK (@BuzzFeedUK) December 6, 2022
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Team Talk Confusing Stock Footage
The former royal family members first stirred up controversy after viewers of the series realized that a photo that seemingly showed them being bombarded by press in the trailer was actually taken at a Harry Potter premiere years ago— before they even met. Another notable piece of footage was filmed outside a Katie Price hearing. This was used as Harry, 38, narrated, “I was terrified, I didn’t want history to repeat itself.”
A source close to the project reportedly told Page Six, “You use stock images to tell a story,” adding, “It’s not meant to be literal in a trailer.” The insider allegedly noted that Harry and Markle, 41, had no say or control when it came to the trailer. They also expressed that the footage used was “standard practice in documentary and trailer production.”
This photograph used by @Netflix and Harry and Meghan to suggest intrusion by the press is a complete travesty. It was taken from a accredited pool at Archbishop Tutu’s residence in Cape Town. Only 3 people were in the accredited position. H & M agreed the position. I was there. pic.twitter.com/nvjznlloLF
— Robert Jobson (@theroyaleditor) December 5, 2022
Earlier this week, British royal correspondent Robert Jobson accused Harry and Markle of faking some of the most memorable footage after saying that some of the more “serious” moments photographed in the trailer were actually taken during a “highly controlled, press-approved event,” as Page Six writes.
"This photograph used by @Netflix and Harry and Meghan to suggest intrusion by the press is a complete travesty,” Jobson tweeted. “It was taken from a accredited pool at Archbishop Tutu’s residence in Cape Town. Only 3 people were in the accredited position. H & M agreed the position. I was there." Others defended the couple when replying to Jobson, stressing that Harry and Markle were "not behind the trailer" and didn't "make it themselves."
In the first two trailers, fans can see Harry and Markle describe royal life as a "dirty game" while footage of Princess Diana and Princess Kate (Kate Middleton) being overwhelmed by photographers is used. Harry also speaks about "the pain and suffering of women marrying into this institution" as footage of his late mother and sister-in-law are utilized. The next three episodes of Harry & Meghan will be able to stream on Netflix on December 15th.
