The bench explains the famous Balmoral photograph, but it doesn't completely explain why the couple's apparent height difference varies so much across photographs.
That's where photography and social conventions become particularly interesting.
When two people stand together, their apparent height can be influenced by numerous factors.
Footwear
Shoes can make a meaningful difference.
High heels can add several centimeters to a person's apparent height, while flat shoes obviously provide much less elevation.
The same person can therefore look noticeably taller or shorter depending on what they're wearing.
Posture
Posture matters too.
Someone standing upright with their shoulders back will appear taller than the same person standing with slightly bent knees or leaning forward.
Diana's posture could also vary depending on whether she was walking, greeting someone, standing formally, or posing for an official portrait.
Positioning
Even a difference of a few steps can change how two people appear in a photograph.
If one person stands slightly closer to the camera, perspective can alter the perceived proportions.
If someone stands on a step, curb, slope, or raised surface, the difference can become even more noticeable.
Camera angle
Photographers don't always shoot from directly i
