Meghan Markle was ‘noticeably’ more tactile than other royals when she joined the family, photographer claims

A royal photographer has claimed Meghan Markle was ‘noticeably’ more tactile than the other royals when she joined the family.

Award-winning photographer Samir Hussein captured the famous photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex holding their arms under an umbrella at the Endeavor Awards in 2020, describing the photo as ‘unusual’.

Harry and Meghan are known to have broken away from the usual formality seen in royal relationships by openly showing affection and holding hands when out in public.

Mr Hussein told The Telegraph: ‘It was really striking when Meghan came on stage how tactile she was, like she was holding the duke’s hand and she was arm in arm, so that was quite unusual.’

The image of the couple admiringly looking at each other in the rain went viral and was taken during one of the couple’s last engagements before they step down as senior royals.

It will now go on display in London in a new exhibition charting the Hussein family’s photography of the monarchy over the years.

Samir (pictured outside Buckingham Palace) will share his remarkable photos of the royal family, alongside photos taken by his father Anwar and brother Zak

The exhibition, titled Princess Diana: Accredited Access, opens on May 25 at St Katharine Docks, London.

The film follows successful runs in the US, Australia and Canada and features photographs taken by Anwar Hussein, the longest-serving royal photographer and Mr Hussein’s father.

A collection of photos from his and his brother Zak’s collection will also be on display.

The trio have put together a collection of official photographs spanning seven decades, including five generations of the monarchy.

Samir and Zak, now both in their 40s, spent much of their childhood surrounded by royalty because of their father, including going to polo to watch Prince Charles play while Princess Dianna looked on.

They described playing with young Harry and William in a ‘very relaxed’ atmosphere, with their similar ages meaning they were able to ‘interact’ with the princes in a different way to other members of the family.

The brothers want to continue their father’s “candid” style of photographing the royal family, capturing them in moments that show their “more human side, making them more relatable.”

The exhibition, which runs until September 2, shows the family’s photos in life-size.

Samir and Zak also provide a unique audio tour to accompany the experience.

Anwar said: “I am delighted that the images captured, as well as those of my sons, are coming to London to recognize and commemorate such a remarkable woman and her sons.

“There are so many memories of our two families bonding and building a special relationship, and I am pleased to be able to showcase these in such a unique way through the exhibition.”