Not one for keeping in line with royal traditions (which is fair play really, given that they've stepped down from their senior working positions within the family and have made it quite plain they're not interested in following 'The Firm's' rules), Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just posed for their first magazine cover together as a couple.
The photoshoot accompanies TIME magazine's annual 100 list, which essentially celebrates influential figures and recognises the work of those across all sectors – from the worlds of politics and entertainment, to philanthropists and activists.
Explaining why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were chosen for the honour, the magazine writes that it is impressed by their charitable efforts and said, 'In a world where everyone has an opinion about people they don’t know, the Duke and Duchess have compassion for the people they don’t know. They don’t just opine. They run toward the struggle.'
Now, fans of the pair are – as is custom with anything royal-related – looking further into the newly published images of Meghan and Harry, and speculating as to the subtle symbolism about their new American life and relationship that's hinted within the photos (which were taken by Pari Dukovic).
So, first up! Let's talk... trees. The images appear to be taken in what looks to possibly, maybe, could be the Sussexes back garden, in the same area where they shot their Lilibet pregnancy announcement – under a 'tree of life'.
Nature and trees now seem to be somewhat symbolic to the couple, possibly representing their newfound 'freedom' and peace of mind away from royal life. Case in point: during her recent 40th birthday video, Meghan Markle was asked by comic actor Melissa McCarthy whether she'll be celebrating with 'another photoshoot under a tree where you're looking very peaceful?'. To this, she replied, 'Peaceful under a tree is me every day.'
Secondly, many have also commented on the Duke and Duchess's positioning on the front cover of TIME, with Meghan standing in front of Harry. Plenty have remarked on whether or not this could be a subtle nod to the fact the couple champion feminism and routinely support causes that specifically benefit girls and women around the world.
'It's meaningful a photo that puts him behind her and shows her as a powerful woman...,' wrote one eagled-eyed commenter on TIME's Instagram, quickly garnering over 100 likes in support.
Even though Harry is taller than Meghan, he's also sitting back behind her in the striking image, ensuring they are of equal height and that their eyes are perfectly in line together. The Prince is also wearing black, whereas his wife is contrasting in white, making her stand out more.
Any other thoughts or theories to add into the mix, folks?
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
