diff --git a/wp-includes/class-wp-customize-control.php b/wp-includes/class-wp-customize-control.php
index c35225fa26..4d596bfe95 100644
--- a/wp-includes/class-wp-customize-control.php
+++ b/wp-includes/class-wp-customize-control.php
@@ -750,6 +750,8 @@ class WP_Customize_Header_Image_Control extends WP_Customize_Image_Control {
 	 */
 	public function prepare_control() {
 		global $custom_image_header;
+		if ( empty( $custom_image_header ) )
+			return parent::prepare_control();
 
 		// Process default headers and uploaded headers.
 		$custom_image_header->process_default_headers();