Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveil first portrait since leaving the royal family

Publish Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2020, 11:36AM

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have shared a stunning new portrait together, for the first time since leaving the royal family.

The couple, who now live with their son 17-month-old son Archie in Southern California, appeared in a black and white photo together for the special edition of their Time100 Talks.

The beautiful snap was taken by photographer Matt Sayles, and shows Prince Harry leaning over a chair, while Meghan sits with her arm draped affectionately over her husband’s leg.

Photo / TIME, Matt Sayles

Fans of the Duke and Duchesss of Sussex were quick to point out the tender pose closely resembled that of their iconic engagement photo, which also featured the former Suits star resting her arm on Harry’s leg.

Photo / Alexi Lubomirski, Kensington Palace

The photo marks the first official portrait Harry and Meghan have taken together since they stepped away from the royal family.

At the beginning of 2020, the couple shared a statement reflecting their plans for their future: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year is starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," the couple’s statement read. "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."

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Sussexes are winning, always 😌 . . New photographs have been released of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex complementing an appearance announcement. On 20th October, the couple will host a specially curated edition of TIME100 Talks, TIME’s series of virtual conversations that convenes extraordinary leaders from every field to spotlight solutions and encourage action. 💐 the special episode of TIME100 Talks reflects a foundational element of The Duke and Duchess’ nonprofit Archewell – building online communities that are more compassionate, safe, and trustworthy. The episode will feature conversations with a range of guests, including Reddit co-founder and founder of 776 Alexis Ohanian and the HOSTS of Teenage Therapy! 😌 In addition to developing the theme, guests, and topics for this special edition of TIME100 Talks, The Duke and Duchess will make opening and closing remarks, lead conversations, and discuss creating safe, trustworthy and compassionate online communities with TIME editor in chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal during the show. ✨ “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, both TIME100 alumni, are among the most influential voices in the world,” said Dan Macsai, TIME executive editor and editorial director of the TIME100. “We look forward to working with them to elevate essential voices and highlight real solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time.” 👏 Visit @time’s social media platforms to register for this coveted event which takes place on 20th October at 1pm ET 😉 #royalfamily #britishroyalfamily #royals #royalwedding #windsor #dukeofsussex #duchessofsussex #princeharry #meghanmarkle #harryandmeghan #dukeofcambridge #duchessofcambridge #princewilliam #katemiddleton #princegeorge #princesscharlotte #princelouis #kensingtonpalace #buckinghampalace #archieharrison #duchessofcornwall #princecharles #princessdiana #diana #like4like #princephilip #queenelizabeth #monarchy

A post shared by Harry and Meghan (FAN ACCOUNT) (@royalsussexwindsors.__) on Oct 16, 2020 at 9:07am PDT

And while the Covid-19 pandemic has stopped the couple from doing everything they hoped they would have accomplished, Harry previously gave fans a glimpse at how they have been coping with quarantine life.

"We've been working really, really hard, and completely understand and get how challenging this is for absolutely everyone," the Duke of Sussex revealed in an interview with Malala Yousafzai earlier this month. "The longer it goes on the more it's going to be felt especially from a mental health aspect. This is a really unifying moment to bring everyone together and acknowledge what everyone has been through, this traumatic experience, wherever you are in the world."

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