Some of the display’s visuals are too sensitive to be left up all the time.
With great pleasure, Buckingham Palace announces the release of an astounding array of never-before-seen images from the royal archives.
The unique exhibition “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace is scheduled to debut on May 17 and will highlight the development of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present. More than 150 one-of-a-kind pieces from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives will be on show, with many of these old prints appearing for the first time. A unique look into the creative processes behind these historical photos is provided by the show, which also features unseen proofs and archival correspondence.
A poignant 1964 portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Princess Alexandra, and the then-Duchess of Kent holding their babies is one of the most notable items. This heartwarming photo was taken by Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, as a special thank-you to royal obstetrician Sir John Peel, who assisted in the delivery of all four babies in less than two months. Princess Margaret is holding her daughter Lady Sarah tenderly while Queen Elizabeth is grinning at the camera and holding Prince Edward, the youngest of her four children.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
Images of Queen Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, taken during World War II make up another moving section of the display. Cecil Beaton captured these pictures with the intention of bringing stability and hope during tumultuous times. Notable images of the royal couple taken in 1940 at Buckingham Palace include a dramatic view of them assessing bomb damage and a sweet family photo taken in 1943 at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which shows Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as little children gathered around their father’s desk.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
The thrill and exclusivity of this event is further enhanced by the fact that the Royal Collection Trust emphasizes that these vintage photos cannot be permanently shown due to conservation needs. The display covers an amazing range of historical periods, including the first color image of a member of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation portrait, the Queen’s sparkling painting by Andy Warhol from 1985, and even Kate Middleton’s arresting 40th birthday shot.
It’s interesting to note that Kate’s milestone birthday portrait will be on display next to a portrait of Princess Alexandra from 1864, which it looks a lot like.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
The audio guide for this fascinating exhibit, which is narrated by the adored Dame Joanna Lumley, includes commentary from well-known photographers Rankin and John Swannell. Hugo Burnand has also contributed to the guide; he has a long-standing professional relationship with King Charles and Queen Camilla, having taken their formal coronation photographs in May 2023.
Paolo Reversi/Royal Collection Trust Photographer
Exhibiting photographs by renowned photographers including David Bailey, Annie Leibovitz, Polly Borland, and Dorothy Wilding, this show is sure to thrill royal photography enthusiasts.
Remember to put dates in your calendars! The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will unveil “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” on May 17. This is a unique chance to experience history unfold before your eyes as a unique collection of royal moments are captured via the skill of photography.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
Pregnant Taxi Driver Takes a Homeless Man to the Hospital, Next Morning She Sees a Motorcade of SUVs Outside Her Window
On a rainy night, a very pregnant taxi driver stops to help a homeless, injured stranger, offering him a free ride to the hospital. But the next morning, she wakes to find a convoy of SUVs outside her house, with suited men waiting to share a truth that would change her life forever.
Cleo had been driving taxis for two years, and by now, she’d seen it all: late-night partiers stumbling home, families racing to catch flights, and remorseful businessmen smelling of cocktails and secrets. She’d heard countless stories, dried her fair share of tears, and learned to read people before they even stepped into her cab.
As she navigated the foggy streets, her back ached, and her unborn baby’s kicks pressed against her ribs—a reminder that her night shifts were becoming unbearable. But bills didn’t stop for anyone, so she whispered to her belly, “Just a few more hours, love. Then we can go home to Chester.” She imagined her orange tabby, Chester, sprawled on her pillow at home, shedding fur everywhere as her only true companion.
Her mind drifted back to the heartbreak she’d endured only five months ago. She had excitedly shared the news of her pregnancy with her husband, Mark, only to learn he’d been unfaithful with his secretary, Jessica, who was also expecting. Within weeks, Mark left and drained their bank account, leaving Cleo to work endless shifts to provide for the baby alone.
Late one night, just three weeks before her due date, Cleo’s attention was caught by a lone figure struggling along the highway’s shoulder, drenched by the rain. Even from afar, he looked injured and desperate. He staggered in tattered clothes, one arm held to his chest as he dragged himself forward. Cleo knew she should keep driving, especially at eight months pregnant, but her instincts overruled caution. Rolling down her window, she called out, “Are you okay? Need help?” The stranger, visibly shaken and bloody, pleaded, “I just need to get somewhere safe.”
Without hesitation, Cleo unlocked her doors, and he collapsed into the backseat. She quickly realized they were being followed as headlights flooded her mirror. The stranger urged her to drive faster, and Cleo’s adrenaline kicked in, navigating the winding streets with the skill of a seasoned driver. Finally, she lost the trailing car and brought her passenger to the hospital. As he thanked her, she thought little of her good deed, returning home exhausted and ready for a quiet morning.
But that morning was anything but quiet. Cleo awoke to the rumble of engines outside and peeked out her window to see a dozen sleek black SUVs lining her street. Men in suits formed a perimeter around her home, and Cleo’s heart raced, wondering if she’d unwittingly helped a criminal the night before. Opening the door cautiously, she was met by a man in an expensive suit who introduced himself as James, head of security for the Atkinson family.
“Last night, you helped their son, Archie,” he explained. The name Atkinson meant little to Cleo until she realized they were the Atkinsons—the billionaire family with a tech empire. Their son had been kidnapped three days earlier, and the ransom set at 50 million dollars. She had saved Archie on the side of the road without knowing it.
Archie explained, “They moved me last night, and I saw my chance to escape. But I wouldn’t have made it without you. I owe you everything.” His father, overcome with gratitude, handed Cleo an envelope with a check that made her knees nearly give out.
“Please, sir, this is too much,” she stammered, but Mr. Atkinson insisted, “It’s a small thank you for saving our son.” He glanced at her belly and added gently, “No child should enter this world with a mother who has to worry about providing.” Tears filled her eyes as Archie leaned forward, proposing that she lead a new community safety initiative for their family’s foundation—an effort to foster more people like her, who aren’t afraid to help.
As Cleo accepted their offer and watched the convoy leave, she felt an unfamiliar lightness, the burdens of the past few months finally lifting. She glanced down at her belly and whispered, “Did you hear that, little one? Mommy’s night job just got a big upgrade. And we did it by just being human.”
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