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
Conceited Woman Harassed Me in the Grocery Store, Shortly After, Karma Delivered Her a Public Lesson
One day, an angry woman stormed into a small grocery store, directing her frustration at a young cashier. The tension in the air grew thick as customers watched the drama unfold, but just when it seemed she would get away with her outburst, an unexpected twist left her humiliated.
The grocery store was cozy and familiar, with regulars like Mrs. Johnson, an elderly woman who always bought whole grain bread and flowers to remind herself of beauty in the world. The day began like any other for the cashier, who greeted customers while mentally counting down the hours until her shift ended.
Suddenly, the automatic doors swung open, and in walked a woman in her late thirties. Her hair was messy, and she wore a scowl as she marched toward the cashier. Following her was a small boy, who looked scared as he clutched his mother’s hand.
The woman confronted the cashier, angrily demanding to know why there were no organic apples available. The cashier apologized, explaining that there had been a supply shortage. The woman did not want to hear it and continued to berate the cashier, making a scene that drew the attention of everyone in the store, including the manager.
As the woman leaned in, threatening to ruin the cashier’s job with bad reviews, her son timidly suggested that they didn’t really need the apples. Instead of calming down, she snapped at him to stay quiet. The atmosphere in the store became increasingly uncomfortable as other customers observed the confrontation.
Just as the woman seemed ready to storm out, she turned to leave, but the automatic doors malfunctioned and wouldn’t open. She collided with them, creating a loud noise that silenced the store. Everyone stared, waiting to see what would happen next. Her face turned bright red, a mix of embarrassment and anger.
As she stood there in shock, her son tugged on her sleeve, gently telling her that she had been mean to the cashier and should apologize. His quiet yet firm words caught everyone’s attention. The woman’s tough demeanor softened for a moment, and it seemed she might finally admit she was wrong.
However, pride took over. Instead of apologizing, she mumbled something under her breath that didn’t sound sincere and hurriedly dragged her son out of the store once the doors finally opened.
The store buzzed back to life, but a strange silence lingered. The manager approached the cashier, asking if she was okay. She nodded, relieved but still processing what had just happened.
As the cashier resumed her work, she couldn’t help but wonder how the woman and her son would discuss the incident on their way home. Would the mother acknowledge her behavior, or would she dismiss it?
She hoped that the boy, Tommy, would remember the moment and learn the importance of admitting when you’re wrong. Perhaps he would grow up understanding that saying sorry is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that small acts of courage matter in everyday life.
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