A royal photographer for Getty Images has described decades documenting the British royal family, offering insights into the distinct approaches required when photographing Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and Prince William, Prince of Wales.
The photographer, who has worked with the royal family for over 20 years, noted the professional relationships built with palace staff, security, and the royals themselves. “That familiarity is part of the job and for me it’s something that makes it so enjoyable,” they said. “Meeting people you’ve been working with for 20 years in different environments is always a special experience.” They also observed that the royals are acutely aware of the significance of their public engagements, understanding the lasting memories created for those they meet.
The photographer highlighted the enduring legacies of each monarch. Queen Elizabeth II’s Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which saw over three million trees planted globally during her reign, was cited as an “extraordinary living legacy.” King Charles III’s perform through The King’s Foundation was described as having a remarkable impact on transforming lives. Prince William’s Earthshot Prize was praised as an ambitious and hopeful environmental initiative already yielding positive global change.
The photographer emphasized the unique characteristics of each royal subject. Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and the Prince and Princess of Wales each require a different photographic approach due to their distinct personalities. The Princess of Wales was specifically noted as a strong advocate for young people, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne were acknowledged for their dedicated work both publicly and behind the scenes.
Getty Images currently holds a vast archive of images related to the British Royal Family, with over 1,178,254 stock photos available, according to their website. The collection includes both formal portraits and candid shots, documenting the family’s activities and engagements over many years. A separate search on Getty Images also reveals 283,541 stock photos specifically categorized as “the royal family” and 935,506 categorized as “British Royal Family.”
