Image Source: Obi Arisukwu [1]
Have you ever stumbled across an Instagram post so glorious, you damn near drop your phone? Well, I just did, and it's worthy of a royal honour. On Jan. 17, LA-based illustrator and cartoonist Obi Arisukwu shared one of his latest works featuring Meghan Markle and Prince Harry [2]. The illustration shows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex assuming the roles of Beyoncé and JAY-Z in the cover art for their 2018 hit "Apesh*t" [3] from their album Everything Is Love. While cartoon Meghan rocks Bey's low-cut pastel blazer, Harry drips swag in blue suiting and a gold chain inspired by JAY-Z's look. In the background, a portrait of Princess Diana hangs proudly. "When Black royalty meets British royalty," Obi captioned the sublime piece [4]. "An ode to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to rebel due to the toxicity they've experienced in the UK."
View this post on Instagram[5]
Not only is the illustration a reference to Harry and Meghan's recent break from the royal family [7], but it's also a callback to the couple's connection with Beyoncé and JAY-Z. Back in February, Bey and Jay delivered a tribute to Meghan while accepting their Brit Award for best international group [8]. Shortly after, Beyoncé posted a special shout-out to the duchess on her website [9], calling her "one of our Melanated Monas." The two queens and their husbands finally met in July at the UK premiere of The Lion King, where Bey and Meghan shared a warm embrace [10]. We have no choice but to support!