Royal Photographer Reveals Unexpected Confession from the Late Queen

Although you might not immediately recognize Chris Jackson’s name, chances are you’re familiar with some of his iconic photographs of the British royal family.

As a prominent royal photographer, Chris has captured many unforgettable images over the years. Among these are the momentous photo of Prince William and Princess Catherine leaving Westminster Abbey on their wedding day in 2011 and the sophisticated portrait commemorating King Charles III’s 70th birthday.

In a conversation with the Daily Mail, Chris shared insights into how his role has afforded him a unique vantage point at numerous historic occasions, along with recounting some of his most memorable experiences behind the camera.

When asked about the behind-the-scenes experience of photographing the royals, Chris mentioned that “things don’t always go to plan, which is quite fun,” adding a touch of unpredictability to the role.

He fondly recalled Queen Elizabeth’s remark that she actually enjoyed it when things deviated from the plan.

Chris recounted some examples he’s witnessed over the years – from something as simple as an umbrella turning inside out, or larger moments like a communication misunderstanding between the monarch and various international world leaders.

‘It’s all part of it,’ he said. 

‘And I think people like the Queen and now the King are very adept at handling these moments and making sure things never feel awkward for their hosts or the people they’re meeting.’

Royal photographer Chris Jackson took this memorable portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at Sandringham, Norfolk, in 2022

The Getty Staff Photographer has had a unique front-row-seat at historic royal moments. He took this memorable picture of the royal family – with Prince Louis covering his ears – at the 2022 Trooping the Colour

One of the photographer’s most memorable images is this striking photo of a masked Princess Catherine taken at Prince Philip’s funeral. Chris particularly likes the editing decision to also release it as a black and white photo

‘One of the things I like most about royal photography is that it really is about what’s happening right in front of you – and some of it is out of your control. Not being able to control what you’re capturing heightens the sense of anticipation and excitement. There’s this feeling of not knowing what could happen next.’ 

The Getty photographer has just launched his book, Modern Majesty, which will be available online from April 16 and in stores from June 16 and includes his most memorable royal photos along with never-before-seen pictures. 

Putting it together gave Chris the chance to reflect on some of his most memorable images from over the years.

Among them is the powerful image of Princess Catherine sitting alone in a car wearing a mask at the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021.

Taken outside Windsor Castle during the height of COVID-19 restrictions, the striking, and almost haunting image of the future queen is teeming with emotion, capturing a unique moment in world history as well as a period of change for the royal family.

‘The picture of Catherine with the mask at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral seems to resonate with people. I’ve had a lot of comments on it,’ Chris said.

‘I’m not a big fan of photographing people in masks, because often it hides emotion. But for this particular photo, it was unique, because you felt like there was something being said through her eyes, and the fact she had a mask on kind of isolated her eyes in that moment.’

Chris added that he was especially pleased with the editing decision to transform the image into black and white.

This image of smiling newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton was taken by Chris outside Westminster Abbey at the 2011 royal wedding

Chris’ newly released book Modern Majesty is priced at $125 and will be available online from April 16 and in stores from June 16. It features some of his most memorable royal images, along with never-before-seen pictures

Royal photographer Chris Jackson (pictured) spoke to Daily Mail about some of the most recognisable photos he’s taken throughout his career

‘I think it’s very stark. It’s very emotional,’ he reflected. ‘It’s something that resonates with people, and I think perhaps they see it as symbolic of the future.’

At the other end of the spectrum, Chris smiles as he remembers another of his instantly recognisable images: the joyous faces of newlyweds William and Catherine, just moments after they tied the knot.

‘Again, it’s capturing a moment in history. That’s what makes this job so unique,’ he said.

‘It’s not about it being a “great” photo, it’s about catching a moment. A good royal photo is that moment in history, and it will become part of the archive, to be examined and referred to for decades to come. ‘

Years of working as a trusted photographer have afforded Chris the rare chance to get to know the different personalities of the senior royal family members.

‘I have such great memories of photographing Queen Elizabeth, and I was lucky enough to do some official portraits of her. She was incredible and iconic, with an amazing presence.

‘Time moves on and now we’ve got King Charles and Queen Camilla – and I do a lot of work with them.

‘I love working with the current queen – she’s got a wonderful sense of humour, is fantastic to photograph and always positive.

‘The king is great at meeting people – he forms an immediate connection and has obviously got very good at it over the years. He’s very warm and always has a great sense of humour.’

Chris also had nothing but positive things to say about his experiences of working with the next generation leaders of the royal family in Prince William and Princess Catherine. 

In more recent years, Chris said he had gleaned an understanding into the personalities of King Charles and Queen Camilla

‘I remember Queen Elizabeth said that she quite liked it when things didn’t go to plan,’ he recalled

‘William – I’ve really enjoyed working with him on Earthshot events particularly because he’s super passionate about that. It’s really grown into something incredible.

‘I’ve watched him grow into a global statesman and grow within his role, which has been great to see.

‘And with Catherine, people always talk a lot about her style, but she’s also deeply passionate about the advocacy she does on the early years of childhood.’