MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's new photo "overshadows Royals" with the Duke looking "weak" next to his wife, according to a Royal expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released the pictures just two days after Buckingham Palace issued a new image of the King alongside Camilla the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
One photo shows the couple hand in hand attending the One Young World summit for youth leaders in Manchester last month.
Meghan was pictured wearing a red blouse and matching trousers while Harry is dressed in a smart black suit and tie.
While the second, a black and white image, was taken "just moments" before the opening ceremony of the summit.
And Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes that the timing of the image "overshadows" the Royals own release.
Fitzwilliams said: "It is not surprising that the Sussexes have released formal images of themselves following the release of the first official photograph of the four most senior royals.
"In recent days the royal family have been walking with history as one of our greatest monarchs ever was laid to rest.
"The Sussexes have chosen official portraits of themselves attending the One Young World summit by Misan Harriman.
"They are intended to be both informal and inspirational."
He continued: "However the pose with Meghan in a bright red outfit makes Harry look weak in comparison to her.
"It looks rather dysfunctional, which some will see as reflecting the reality of their relationship. The black and white image is far stronger."
While the royal expert believes that the releasing of images "isn't surprising", he does think that the timing is "regrettable".
Fitzwilliams adds: "It isn’t surprising, given the importance of profile to them, that they have released these images.
"However they have not coordinated their activities with those of other royals since their departure which remains problematic.
" The fact that the timing of this overshadows the King and Queen Consort’s first joint engagement since the end of royal mourning is regrettable.
"A new reign can and should mean a new start.
"This should not involve the publication of a memoir which may prove to be explosive. The ball is in their court."
Another Royal expert, Adam Helliker described the timing of the release as "unfortunate".
He said: "The timing of the release really seems to be more than a coincidence after the Royals photo.
"It's just unfortunate with the timing as it yet again has overshadowed Charles' glory."
"I think it's interesting to look at Meghan's eyes, they show a confident steely determination.
"It seems like a signal that whatever the turbulence at home is they are going to carry on with their mission - whatever that may be."
The images were taken by celebrity photographer Misan Harriman, 45, director of the Southbank Centre and a friend of the couple who has previously shot photos of Lilibet on her first birthday and a pregnancy image of the pair.
It comes as Richard Eden mused how Meghan and Harry's release was "fascinating timing" in a tweet.
His post read: "Fascinating timing. This was released soon after a photograph was published by Buckingham Palace of the new #royal 'Fab Four': #KingCharles, Camilla, #PrinceWilliam and Catherine."
"They are in competition with the real royal family," commented royal expert Angela Levin.
There is no suggestion the Sussexes deliberately timed the release of their images in an attempt to eclipse the King’s visit.
At the event where the two images were taken, Meghan gave a speech at the opening ceremony where she addressed a 2,000 strong crowd with representatives from 190 countries.