'I’m grateful for whatever small part I played': Harry and Meghan’s photographer friend behind baby announcement image

The photographer friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who took the image that accompanied their announcement they are expecting a second child has revealed that he was instrumental in bringing Harry and Meghan together.

Long-time friend and Vogue photographer Misan Harriman took the black and white image of the couple sat under a tree in Los Angeles remotely from London on his iPad.

Speaking to British Vogue following the announcement, Mr Harriman 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.”

Explaining how he captured the image, Mr Harriman told British Vogue: “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.”

Mr Harriman is the first black male photographer to shoot a British Vogue cover – and the first to shoot its September issue, traditionally the fashion bible’s most important of the year, in its 105-year history.

The activist-themed cover featured England footballer Marcus Rashford and model Adwoa Aboah, with Mr Harriman working with a predominantly black team on set.

The Duchess of Sussex guest edited a Forces for Change September issue in 2019, featuring 15 women she admires on the cover.

Following the Sussexes' announcement, Mr Harriman tweeted: “Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow.

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

As well as Ms Markle, the Nigerian-born photographer has pictured celebrities including actors Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Olivia Colman and singer Rihanna for publications including Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar and People Magazine.

He is a self-described activist supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as a mental health campaigner with an interest in dyslexia.

His recent work includes a series of photographs from Black Lives Matter protests in London, with many showing profiles of demonstrators holding signs advocating racial justice.

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