Meghan Markle jets in A-list photographer for family shoot as she ‘wants to avoid a blip after Kate’s saga’, says expert
MEGHAN Markle flew a professional photographer from New York to take glamorous shots of Archie and Lilibet.
Jake Rosenberg is said to have travelled to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s £12 mansion in California earlier this month and took “portraits for the family.”
According to the Mail, the pro snapper “took a series of pictures of Meghan on her own, cooking, and her with the children.”
Royal editor Ingrid Seward claims Meghan may have gone down the professional route to avoid a photo saga like the Princess of Wales’ Mother Day photo.
Kate Middleton, who is recovering from surgery, admitted she sometimes “experiments with editing” after five large news agencies – PA, AP, Getty Images, Reuters, and, AFP – all withdrew the pic – snapped by William – due to fears it had been “edited at source”.
Ingrid told Fabulous: “The Duchess of Sussex has always been a survivor. She would never risk allowing her husband to take family photographs as Kate did with the Mother’s day snaps.
“If Meghan is going to pose for pictures, she wants them to be professional, well-lit and above all flattering.
“Harry was never going to manage that.”
She added: “Neither would Meghan have involved herself in the ensuing editing debate.
“Using a professional avoids any blips.”
The photoshoot in Meghan and Harry’s Montecito home coincides with the launch of her new lifestyle website, American Riviera Orchard.
Ingrid observed: “When she hired Canadian photographer Jack Rosenberg to take her ‘family snaps’ her reasoning was twofold.
“Firstly, she needed some photographs to promote her new lifestyle and cookery website, American Riviera Orchard.
“Secondly as the photographer had flown in from New York – a six-and-a-half-hour flight – it made sense to put him to good use.
“There is nothing unusual about celebrities using famous photographers to take their ‘snaps’.
“If they can afford it – or in Meghan’s case wrap it into another job so it doesn’t cost much – it makes perfect sense.”
The photos of Princess Lilibet, two, and Prince Archie, four, are thought to be remaining private and are unrelated to Meghan’s business.
Everything we know about Meghan Markle's new business, American Riviera Orchard
MEGHAN Markle has launched a new Instagram brand called American Riviera Orchard.
Industry insiders said the site will focus on home, food, garden and lifestyle goods.
A source told the Mail: “It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.
“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix.
“Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams. And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.”
However, Ingrid said there is a possibility we could see them in May.
She added: “The resulting pictures will be private so they say, but with Archie’s fifth birthday coming up in May maybe Meghan and Harry might be tempted to issue a portrait of the adorable looking little Prince.
“After all he is the King’s grandson and however much the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claim to value their privacy, they won’t want us forgetting that.”
Jake, originally from Toronto where Meghan lived while filming Suits, has photographed Meghan a number of times.
His website states: “His lens has captured the radiance of talent such as Meghan Markle, Oprah Winfrey, Priyanka Chopra, Cindy Crawford, David Beckham, and Michael B. Jordan, unveiling their authentic personas through his vibrant imagery.”
According to a report from Page Six, Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard company will focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle content.
The brand will reportedly sell a variety of home goods, such as cookbooks, foods, and kitchenware.
The source said: “She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.”
A trademark application for ‘American Riviera Orchard’ showed Meghan is planning to sell cutlery, decanters, legume-based spreads and even napkin rings.
The Princess of Wales, 42, underwent the “planned abdominal surgery” in January at the London Clinic.
Kensington Palace said at the time Kate was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.