Renowned photographer Misan Harriman has stepped forward to defend Meghan Markle following a wave of online negativity tied to her estranged father's arrest last week. Taking to X, the longtime family friend reposted a critical message aimed at the Duchess of Sussex just days after her 82-year-old father was taken into custody. He urged the public and media to stop blaming the royal for her father's alleged actions.
Over the years, Misan Harriman has played a major role in capturing milestone moments for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. He famously photographed the couple's 2021 pregnancy announcement, snapping an intimate portrait of the Duchess's growing baby bump just months before Princess Lilibet was born. Because of their close bond, the photographer refused to stay silent while his friend faced unfair criticism.
The backlash started after Thomas Markle Snr, who has been estranged from Meghan Markle for many years, was arrested and charged in connection with allegations involving child sexual abuse material. While the 82-year-old has called the accusations "sick lies," Misan Harriman pointed out the absurdity of linking the Duchess to a parent who has never even met Prince Harry, Prince Archie, or Princess Lilibet.
Sharing screenshots from the Instagram account Black British Culture, Misan Harriman demanded that critics leave Meghan Markle alone during this painful ordeal. "My God, leave her alone! Thanks to everyone who called this madness out!" he wrote alongside the post.
The screenshots shared by Misan Harriman highlighted a news report revealing that Thomas Markle Snr had cut off his electronic ankle monitor. The article originally used a prominent photograph of Meghan Markle to illustrate the crime story, though the outlet later replaced her picture with her father's police mugshot following public outrage.
Behind the scenes, the scandal has taken a clear emotional toll on Meghan Markle despite the public support from Misan Harriman. Earlier this week on Tuesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Brussels to attend the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament.
Although Prince Harry delivered a speech at the Brussels event, Meghan Markle pulled out of speaking just hours before as she did not feel "strong enough" for public speaking after her father's arrest. Loyal friends like Misan Harriman have continued to rally around the Duchess as she navigates the fallout from her father's legal troubles.
Following their shock move back to Britain at the end of August,
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are now living in the
Cotswolds with their children enrolled in a local British school. With allies
like Misan Harriman defending their peace, the couple are
preparing for their first UK Christmas since 2018 and hope to welcome the
Duchess's mother, Doria Ragland, for the holidays.
Key Takeaways:
- Fierce Public Defense: Close friend and photographer Misan Harriman publicly defended Meghan Markle on social media after critics targeted her over her estranged father's arrest.
- Media Photo Backlash: Misan Harriman shared screenshots calling out an article about Thomas Markle cutting off his ankle monitor that originally used a photo of Meghan Markle instead of his mugshot.
- Stepping Back in Brussels: As Misan Harriman urged critics to leave her alone, Meghan Markle skipped giving a speech in Brussels because she did not feel strong enough after the arrest.
