The Royal Photo Scandal Exposed: What Really Happened to Meghan Markle on Prince Harry's 40th Birthday

Buckingham Palace has found itself at the center of a new media storm after a photograph uploaded to celebrate Prince Harry's 40th birthday, seemed to suggest that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, had been intentionally cropped out.

However, in a bid to put an end to the speculations swirling around social media platforms, the palace officials have come out to clarify that there was no ill intent behind the cropping out of Meghan Markle from the photo.

The said photograph in question, featuring a smiling Harry from his and Meghan's first encounter, was shared by King Charles and Prince William to commemorate Prince Harry's milestone birthday.

This picture led many fans of the royal couple to send their congratulatory messages to the Prince on his birthday, but for others, it generated further controversy.

Following various reports and assumptions suggesting a plot by other members of the Royal family to snub the Duchess of Sussex, a spokesperson for the Buckingham Palace, made clear the unintentional nature of Meghan's omission, stating, 'It was never our intention to cause any upset or miscommunication.' and dismissing such speculations as baseless.

Over the years, the Royal Family has not been a stranger to media controversies. This recent episode involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle again brought to the forefront the complexities and difficulties associated with the role played by media in shaping the public image of the Royal family.

The reaction by Buckingham Palace to clear up any misunderstanding is sure to be viewed positively by fans of the Sussex couple around the world who fear any division within the Royal Family could have an adverse effect on their lives and endeavors.

This is not the first instance of speculations over social media seeming to reveal new facets of a story, and once again demonstrates the immense influence social media has in modern times on what becomes 'breaking news'.

The Royal family is determined to emphasize their unity, so any public relations issues which result from misinformation will undoubtedly continue to be quickly rectified by the officials of the Palace and continue their work of doing good for people and the communities around the whole world.