These variations are not necessarily evidence of deliberate staging.
Several everyday photographic factors can account for them.
1. Footwear Can Make a Surprising Difference
One of the simplest explanations is footwear.
A pair of high heels can increase a person’s apparent height by several centimeters.
Even shoes without obvious heels may have elevated soles that change how tall someone looks.
Diana was famous for her fashion choices, and her wardrobe evolved considerably throughout her public life.
During formal events, she frequently wore elegant shoes selected to complement her clothing.
On other occasions, particularly when participating in outdoor activities or informal engagements, she wore flatter, more practical footwear.
Charles’s shoes also varied depending on the occasion.
Formal dress shoes, country footwear, and boots can differ in sole thickness.
Consequently, two people with almost identical barefoot heights may look noticeably different depending on what they are wearing.
This becomes particularly important when comparing photographs taken years apart.
