Princess Diana’s iconic 1992 photo at the Taj Mahal symbolized more than just a royal visit—it became a lasting image of loneliness. Many, including Prince William and Princess Catherine in 2016, have since recreated it. However, when Meghan Markle had the opportunity, Prince Harry advised against it. As he later revealed in Spare, he wanted to protect Meghan from inevitable comparisons, showing how deeply certain royal images influence public perception.
In 1992, Princess Diana visited the Taj Mahal alone, creating an iconic image that symbolized her troubled marriage to Prince Charles. Seated on a bench before the monument, she appeared isolated, reinforcing public perception of her loneliness. Months later, the couple announced their separation.
The Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts millions of visitors, many of whom recreate Diana’s famous pose, connecting with a poignant moment in royal history.
When Prince William and Kate visited the Taj Mahal in 2016, they sat together on the same bench where Princess Diana had once posed alone. Their photo, though not as emotionally charged, still made headlines, linking them to Diana’s legacy. William’s presence with Kate highlighted a contrast to his mother’s solitary image.
Before her relationship with Prince Harry was public, Meghan Markle lived a different life—acting in Suits and engaging in philanthropy. In early 2017, she traveled to India for humanitarian work and considered visiting the Taj Mahal. However, Harry asked her not to take a posed photo there, fearing media comparisons to Diana. He didn’t want Meghan’s goodwill to be overshadowed by speculation or controversy.
Harry recalled how Meghan was surprised by his request not to take a photo at the Taj Mahal. Having grown up in the U.S., she didn’t grasp the deep significance tied to Princess Diana’s famous image there. To her, it was just another landmark photo, not a moment loaded with royal history and media scrutiny.
This moment highlighted the stark contrast between Meghan’s past life and the intense public scrutiny of the British monarchy. Harry, having witnessed his mother’s struggles with the press, was already aware that Meghan’s every move would be dissected. His warning wasn’t just about a photo—it was about avoiding a media-driven narrative she hadn’t yet experienced.
Unlike Princess Diana, Meghan Markle chose not to pose alone at the Taj Mahal, avoiding media-fueled comparisons. Instead, she focused on social work, meeting local women and supporting community projects. When Spare was released, it revealed how Harry and Meghan carefully navigated public expectations, with Harry prioritizing her protection from unfair scrutiny.
Princess Diana’s legacy continues to shape public perception of the Royal Family. While William and Kate’s 2016 Taj Mahal photo subtly echoed the past, Harry and Meghan, in the early stages of their relationship, faced greater scrutiny.
Harry’s caution helped avoid unnecessary comparisons. This moment foreshadowed their later struggles, as every move was judged through the lens of royal history, eventually influencing their decision to step away from senior royal duties.
Diana’s influence remains strong in both the public’s memory and her sons’ choices. Harry’s request for Meghan not to sit on the Taj Mahal bench reflected his respect for his mother and his wish to protect Meghan’s individuality. This small decision symbolized a larger lesson—understanding that in the royal world, every image carries meaning. Their journey would be shaped just as much by what they chose to avoid as by what they embraced.