Harry and Meghan issue legal warning to media over paparazzi photos

21 January 2020, 18:05

Harry and Meghan have issued a legal warning over paparazzi photos
Harry and Meghan have issued a legal warning over paparazzi photos. Picture: PA
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a legal warning to the media following the publication of paparazzi shots of Meghan.

Images of the duchess emerged on Monday morning showing her walking her two dogs with her son in a baby sling in a park in Vancouver.

Meghan could be seen smiling in the photos that were taken a short distance from the mansion in which she is currently staying.

However, the pictures were allegedly taken by photographers who were using long-lens cameras and hiding in bushes.

After the images had been published, the pair's legal team at Schillings sent UK press outlets and photo agencies a legal notice, warning against their use.

Smiliing Prince Harry arrives at Vancouver airport
Smiliing Prince Harry arrives at Vancouver airport. Picture: Splash News

Prince Harry landed back in Canada to start his new life with wife Meghan and son Archie, but questions remain over the Sussex Royal brand.

Prince Harry landed at 9.47pm local time after talks finalising his Megxit split from the royal family and a busy roster of events in London yesterday.

Two security guards escorted Harry to a black people carrier which would take him to Vancouver Island to join his family.

Harry arrived this morning on a WestJet aircraft
Harry arrived this morning on a WestJet aircraft. Picture: Splash News

His arrival in Canada comes after he and Meghan came to an arrangement with the Queen to step back as senior royals.

But, a senior Palace official has questioned their use of 'royal' in their new brand, the Garter King of Arms is quoted by one newspaper as saying "You either are [royal] or you’re not.”

Harry had earlier attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Docklands on Monday, where met the prime minister in private for 20 minutes on the sidelines.

With several royal engagements scheduled in the UK over the next few months, it's thought, Harry will shuttle back and forth between the two countries as he winds down from his role as a senior royal.

The Prince's departure from the UK comes after he told supporters of his Sentable charity that the couple had "no other option" on Sunday.

The duke met with the prime minister on Monday before flying back to Canada
The duke met with the prime minister on Monday before flying back to Canada. Picture: PA

The duke gave an emotional speech to supporters where he said he felt he had to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in Canada, where wife Meghan and son Archie are setting up home.

Johnny Hornby, chairman of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Harry and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso, said the duke had indicated the solution was not something he "ideally" wanted.

At a private event for Sentebale on Sunday night in London, Harry spoke about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a "more peaceful life" for his family.

Harry and Meghan had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding so they could become financially independent - a dual role many commentators said was fraught with problems.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.

Following a tense negotiation with the Palace where it was announced the couple would no longer use their HRH titles, many have asked if they can continue calling themselves Sussex Royal, especially when taking on commercial roles.

Speaking to The Times newspaper, Thomas Woodcock, the Garter King of Arms, who is the Queen's principal advisor on ceremonial matters and heraldry said: “I don’t think it’s satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are [royal] or you’re not.”

The advisor stressed to the newspaper he was giving his personal opinion, but that he was being consulted by the Palace.

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