Sussexes in privacy row over Netflix trailer
Claims of unauthorised access for photographer to enter Buckingham Palace which led to complaint
‘They’ve blown their own protestation out of the water and detonated their own privacy policy’
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused of taking a private photographer into Buckingham Palace without permission during their farewell tour in Britain, after a behind-thescenes image was broadcast to millions in their Netflix trailer.
The one-minute advert for the Duke and Duchess’s new documentary shows a series of black and white photographs, taken at their Frogmore Cottage near Windsor Castle, their wedding evening reception, and on holidays.
One picture appears to have been taken inside Buckingham Palace, showing them walking out of the garden entrance.
By convention, anyone wishing to film or shoot in the Queen’s home requires permission, with “strict protocol” surrounding imagery in what is considered private quarters.
The Daily Telegraph understands that the presence of the photographer was the subject of a written Palace complaint at the time, as aides noted that the couple had not asked permission to shoot inside the Queen’s home.
The Sussexes are not thought to have been made aware of the warning.
“It’s fair to say there was surprise to see a photographer,” said one source.
The photographer was not asked to leave, the Telegraph has confirmed.
One insider said the appearance of a private photographer had been noticed by staff at the time, as the Sussexes came and went from the palace.
They had travelled to Britain in March 2020 for what became known as their “farewell tour”, including a string of public engagements that included a secondary school visit and the Commonwealth Day Service.
While here, they were followed by Chris Allerton, a photographer whose work shooting the Duchess during a private visit to the National Theatre and at an emotional farewell to staff at Buckingham Palace was released and published soon afterwards.
At least one picture never before seen, and not yet credited to a named photographer, has been broadcast as part of the Netflix trailer.
In it, the Duke and Duchess walk hand-in-hand towards an exit of Buckingham Palace, where two footman hold the doors open for them.
The Duchess is wearing a winter coat and distinctive heels, carrying a small handbag, an ensemble that appears identical to an outfit she wore to a Goring Hotel farewell lunch for staff that week. Neither Buckingham Palace or Archewell, the couple’s foundation, responded to a request for comment last night.
The picture was one of at least a dozen behind-the-scenes shots to be aired in the Netflix trailer.
Others include images of the Duke and Duchess kissing in their Frogmore Cottage kitchen during the same week, and what appeared to be the Duchess crying during a telephone call with her head in her hand.
“For a couple who have been privacy-obsessed, in 60 seconds they have shown raw emotion, private places, photos never before seen,” said one critic.
“They’ve blown their own protestations out of the water and detonated their own privacy policy.”