Misan Harriman’s Lasting Friendship with Meghan Markle Amid Controversies
In a world where friendships often fade and relationships unravel, British photographer Misan Harriman stands out as one of the few enduring figures in Meghan Markle’s life.
Despite family dramas and tensions with friends and staff, Harriman has remained a trusted confidant of the Duchess of Sussex, even earning her admiration as a “dear friend.
” Over the years, he has captured significant moments of Meghan and Prince Harry’s journey, from their wedding to the announcement of their second pregnancy.
Yet, not all of Harriman’s past partnerships have been so long-lasting or drama-free.
A Surprising Business Partnership with Boris Becker
Before becoming a favorite of A-list celebrities, Harriman, 47, was once involved in an unlikely business venture with tennis legend Boris Becker.
Their partnership began around 2010 when Harriman transitioned from a career in the City of London into business with Becker.
The two initially teamed up to build Becker’s personal brand, with Harriman serving as a director at Becker’s marketing company.
Their professional relationship took place in an exclusive office in London’s prestigious Mayfair, where they were often seen mingling at private clubs.
This partnership had a significant moment when Becker helped launch Meghan Markle’s public career by introducing her to the One Young World conference in Dublin in 2014.
At the time, Harriman reached out to Becker, asking if he could help secure a speaking slot for Meghan.
It was a pivotal moment that propelled her into the global spotlight.
However, despite the promising start, the friendship between Harriman and Becker didn’t stand the test of time.
The End of Their Friendship and Becker’s Financial Struggles
The reasons behind the end of Becker and Harriman’s business partnership are unclear, though it seems their professional goals did not align as they had hoped.
Becker was later embroiled in a financial downfall, declaring bankruptcy after being unable to pay off £50 million in debts.
In 2022, Becker was jailed for hiding assets to avoid paying creditors.
Meanwhile, Harriman’s life took a different direction, rising to fame as a photographer and social activist.
His work has included iconic portraits of celebrities like Tom Cruise and Cate Blanchett and images documenting social movements like Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter.
Harriman’s Rise in the Photography World
Despite only picking up a camera in 2017, after his wife Camilla gifted him one for his 40th birthday, Harriman quickly made a name for himself.
His most notable accomplishment came in 2020 when he became the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British Vogue in its 104-year history.
Over time, he became a go-to photographer for various celebrities, but his business ventures have been less successful.
His company What We Seee has accumulated debts, and some of his other ventures have faced financial troubles, including Billionaire 500, a brokerage firm that was shut down by Companies House in 2019.
Business Struggles and Future Ventures
Harriman has had a rough time with business endeavors, despite his success in photography.
His platform What We Seee is in debt, and his new company, Culture 3, also reported financial liabilities in its first year. While his photography career continues to thrive, the financial side of his ventures has struggled.
Nonetheless, he has continued to innovate and create, always aiming to use his platform for cultural impact and social change.
From Nigeria to the Royals: A Fascinating Journey
Born in Nigeria and raised in Britain, Harriman comes from a prestigious family—his father was a prominent Nigerian businessman and politician.
He attended private school and later moved in elite social circles, befriending people from various walks of life, including the British royal family.
He played a part in the story of Meghan and Harry’s meeting, even dining with Meghan the night before her blind date with Prince Harry.
His friendship with the Sussexes has only grown stronger over the years, with Harriman frequently working with them.
He took the photograph that announced Meghan’s second pregnancy and has even photographed moments from their family life, such as Lilibet’s first birthday party.
His close bond with the couple is undeniable, with Meghan publicly praising him when his short film The After received an Oscar nomination in 2023.
A Different Path for Boris Becker
While Harriman’s career flourished, Becker’s life went in a very different direction.
After experiencing a series of financial setbacks and personal challenges, including a high-profile bankruptcy and imprisonment, Becker has been trying to rebuild.
He married his third wife, Lilian De Carvalho, in 2024, who is a risk analyst.
The two now seem to be focusing on stabilizing Becker’s financial situation, far from the business ventures he once had with Harriman.
Final Thoughts
Despite the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives, both Misan Harriman and Boris Becker have remained resilient.
While Becker has found a new partner to help him manage his finances, Harriman continues to capture powerful moments through his lens, earning a reputation as one of the most sought-after photographers in the world.
His enduring friendship with Meghan Markle remains one of the few constants in an otherwise tumultuous journey.