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
Camille, Grace Kelly’s granddaughter, is all grown up and a stunning reflection of the iconic Princess!
The name of the iconic actress and princess Grace Kelly continues to symbolize timeless beauty, even decades after her passing. Despite her Hollywood career spanning only about six years, Kelly left an indelible mark during the Golden Age of cinema.
Born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kelly grew up in a family of achievers. Her father, John B. Kelly, was an Olympic gold medalist in rowing, and her uncle, George Kelly, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. George was her biggest supporter, encouraging her dream of becoming an actress and guiding her rise to stardom in Hollywood.
Kelly made her film debut in Fourteen Hours but achieved her breakthrough playing Gary Cooper’s Quaker wife in High Noon (1952). She went on to star in celebrated films alongside industry legends. Her performance in Mogambo with Clark Gable and Ava Gardner earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. She later won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Country Girl. Other notable films included the musical comedy High Society and three Alfred Hitchcock classics: Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief opposite Cary Grant.
By the age of 26, Kelly was one of the highest-paid and most respected actresses in the world. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco at the Cannes Film Festival. The two married, and Kelly left her Hollywood career behind to become the Princess of Monaco.
Grace Kelly epitomized elegance and grace, both on-screen and in her royal life. She and Prince Rainier had three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II, and Princess Stéphanie.
Tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 52 when she suffered a stroke while driving and lost control of her car. Although Kelly died in the accident, her daughter Stéphanie, who was also in the car, survived.
Kelly’s legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren, many of whom have inherited her beauty and poise. Among them, Camille Gottlieb, the 20-year-old daughter of Princess Stéphanie, bears an uncanny resemblance to her famous grandmother. Camille’s blonde hair, blue eyes, and striking features have drawn comparisons to Kelly, and her resemblance has brought her considerable attention.
Camille shares glimpses of her life and family on Instagram, where she has over 70,000 followers. Despite not being eligible for the Monegasque throne—her parents were not married—Camille carries herself with the grace and charm of a true princess.
If Grace Kelly were alive today, she would undoubtedly be proud of the legacy she left behind, both in her family and in the hearts of millions who continue to admire her.
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