A portrait of Prince Harry and Meghan has been accepted into the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, whose patron is the Princess of Wales.

The news was revealed by Misan Harriman, who has become the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes go-to photographer.

He posted several images on social media showing him signing the picture with the message: ‘I am humbled and proud to announce that my portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is now part of the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery.

‘Dare to dream folks!’ The image was one of a series he took in September 2022 when the couple attended the opening of the One Young World summit in Manchester.

It shows them holding hands and dramatically looking into the distance – and is also notable for its lighting and soft focus.

+2
View gallery

The image of Harry and Meghan was one of a series taken by Misan Harriman in September 2022 when the couple attended the opening of the One Young World summit in Manchester

Meghan is, in colour shots taken at the same event, wearing a bright red blouse and trousers from eco-friendly brand AnotherTomorrow with Aquazzura heels, and gold hoops, while Prince Harry wears a dark blue suit.

The National Portrait Gallery holds one of the world’s greatest collection of portraits, spanning the last six centuries.

The Princess of Wales – then Duchess of Cambridge – became its patron in January 2012, one of the first five patronages she took on following her marriage to Prince William.

Her first solo public engagement was the opening of the Lucian Freud Portraits exhibition at the gallery’s London home.

She later collaborated with the NPG for her lockdown photography project, Hold Still.

+2
View gallery

The Princess of Wales is pictured reopening the the National Portrait Gallery in June 2023 following a three-year refurbishment programme

As Patron Kate would have no say over which portraits are added to the gallery’s collection.

Mr Harriman is a globally celebrated celebrity and social photographer who became the first black man to shoot a cover of British Vogue in the magazine’s 104-year history.

He has also become one of Harry band Meghan’s most vocal supporters and is frequently invited to privately cover their work.

He was the only photographer invited by the couple to cover their recent quasi-royal trip to Nigeria, his country of birth.

And Mr Harriman also memorably took pictures remotely from the UK of Harry and pregnant Meghan in the US used to announce that the couple were expecting their second baby, Princess Lilibet.

A spokesperson from the National Portrait Gallery said: ‘There are currently no immediate plans to display the work and, as it has just been delivered, it will need to go through our cataloguing process before it is available on our website.’