Exploring the Unseen Side of the UK’s Royal Family
Discover a captivating exhibition showcasing the transformation of royal portrait photography throughout the past century. Uncover rare glimpses of the royal family like never before.
Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years, was likely one of the most photographed women in history. Despite her passing almost two years ago, new pictures of the longest-reigning monarch of Britain have surfaced for an exhibition debuting at Buckingham Palace this week.
One of the most memorable images is from 1964, showing four royal mothers with their babies. This includes the Queen with her youngest son, Prince Edward. Also in the photo are the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, along with Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Kent, all cradling their newborn babies.
The image, which had never been seen before, was captured by Princess Margaret's husband at the time, Antony Armstrong-Jones, also known as Lord Snowdon. He took the photo as a special gesture of gratitude for the royal obstetrician who delivered four babies within a span of two months in that year.
A wartime picture of the then Princess Elizabeth in 1942 forms part of the new exhibition.
A wartime picture of the then Princess Elizabeth in 1942 forms part of the new exhibition.
Cecil Beaton/Royal Collection Trust
Displayed next to it is a letter written by Princess Margaret to her sister, where she affectionately requests her to sign a print as a memento of a remarkable two months of delivery.
The exhibition "Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography," held in The King’s Gallery of the palace, showcases over 150 items from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives. These pieces trace the development of royal portrait photography from the 1920s onwards.
The Royal Family at Royal Lodge, 1943, conveying a reassuring sense of domesticity and calm during the war.
The Royal Family at Royal Lodge, 1943, conveying a reassuring sense of domesticity and calm during the war.
Cecil Beaton/Royal Collection Trust
Also on show for the first time are several wartime images taken by Cecil Beaton, who captured the royal family on camera over six decades.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth are seen inspecting bomb damage at the palace in 1940 in one photo. In another photo, they are pictured with their two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, gathered around the King's desk at the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth look comfortingly at each other a they survey the debris after bombing damaged Buckingham Palace in 1940.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth look comfortingly at each other a they survey the debris after bombing damaged Buckingham Palace in 1940.
Cecil Beaton/Royal Collection Trust
Proofs of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on Coronation Day, 1953.
Proofs of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on Coronation Day, 1953.
Cecil Beaton/Royal Collection Trust
Handwritten note on the use of some coronation photographs, 1953, which features in the exhibition alongside the above contact sheet.
Handwritten note on the use of some coronation photographs, 1953, which features in the exhibition alongside the above contact sheet.
Royal Collection Trust
Beaton was the official photographer for Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.
The exhibition includes a contact sheet of proofs from the coronation sitting. Also featured is a note from Martin Charteris, who was the Queen’s assistant private secretary. In the note, Charteris recommends to Prince Philip which images should be sent to the royal family and maids of honor.
The exhibition offers a different perspective of Charles, showcasing a picture signed by the Queen, her husband, and Beaton. This same picture was chosen and sent to the Queen Mother amidst the buzz surrounding the new official painting of the King.
It features a black and white shot of Charles, then a young prince, alongside his sister, Princess Anne, in 1956.
The current king as a child alongside his younger sister Princess Anne in 1956.
The current king as a child alongside his younger sister Princess Anne in 1956.
Antony Armstrong-Jones/Royal Collection Trust
Many official photographs are taken to celebrate royal birthdays. One such photo is a portrait by Beaton of Princess Margaret with her dog Pippin for her 25th birthday.
In another set of images captured by Norman Parkinson, Princess Margaret and the Queen are seen sharing a laugh and conversation during their mother's 80th birthday celebration.
Princess Margaret as captured by her then-husband Lord Snowdon in 1967.
Princess Margaret as captured by her then-husband Lord Snowdon in 1967.
Another fascinating piece in the collection is the oldest known color print featuring a member of the royal family. This special photograph was captured in 1935 by Madame Yevonde, a trailblazing female photographer. The image showcases Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who was the sister-in-law of King George VI and Edward VIII, on her wedding day.
The exhibition will be open until October and showcases advancements in portraiture. It includes Andy Warhol’s 1985 portrait of the Queen embellished with diamond dust and Rankin’s 2001 photo of the Queen smiling, layered over the union flag.
Less traditional portraits, like this one done by Andy Warhol, also form part of the exhibition.
Less traditional portraits, like this one done by Andy Warhol, also form part of the exhibition.
Todd-White Art Photography/Ben Fitzpatrick/Royal Collection Trust
The exhibition runs until October.
The exhibition runs until October.
Todd-White Art Photography/Ben Fitzpatrick/Royal Collection Trust
Paolo Roversi took a memorable portrait of the Princess of Wales for her 40th birthday. In this portrait, Catherine looks remarkably similar to Alexandra, Princess of Wales, in a painting done by Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1864.
The Princess of Wales, then the Duchess of Cambridge, photographed to mark her 40th birthday.
The Princess of Wales, then the Duchess of Cambridge, photographed to mark her 40th birthday.
Paolo Roversi/Royal Collection Trust
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According to curator Alessandro Nasini, the Royal Collection features timeless photographs of the Royal Family taken by renowned portrait photographers over the last century. From Dorothy Wilding and Cecil Beaton to Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey, and Rankin, these images capture the essence of royalty.
We are thrilled to showcase archival correspondence and never-before-seen proofs that offer visitors a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creation process of these iconic royal portraits. Unfortunately, the stunning vintage prints cannot be permanently displayed due to conservation reasons.
Editor's P/S:
The article unveils a captivating collection of royal photographs, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy. From the heartwarming image of four royal mothers cradling their newborns to the poignant wartime portraits, these photographs capture the essence of the royal family across generations. The exhibition showcases the progression of portraiture, from traditional studio shots to modern interpretations, highlighting the ever-evolving relationship between the monarchy and the public.
The exhibition also provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of these iconic images, with letters and notes revealing the decision-making process and the personal connections between the photographers and the royal family. Notably, the inclusion of lesser-known photographers and color prints adds depth and diversity to the collection, challenging conventional perceptions of royal portraiture. Overall, this exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of royal photography, offering a unique and captivating perspective on the history of the British monarchy.
