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
20 Times a Haircut Has Changed Someone Beyond Recognition
Change can be a beautiful thing — especially when it comes to your hair. It’s completely captivating to see a hairdressers artistry take someone’s hair from outdated to cool. They prove how something as simple as a haircut can change someone’s appearance from caring to daring, or from slouchy to chic.
Check out the following 20 hair transformations found by the Bright Side team and who knows… maybe they inspire you to also get a new ’do yourself!
1. “My wife told me ’you’ve had your fun, now cut your hair!’”
2. “Before and after, 10 inches of hair donated!!”
3. Both styles look very good on her!
4. “Gave all my hair to Locks of Love.”
5. “I also cut off and donated most of my hair.”
6. First cut in nearly four years.
7. “From straightening my hair every day to finding out that THIS was possible!”
8. “My beard and hair transformation — 2009/2019”
9. “Took the plunge today and cut it all off!”
10. “Before and after: big chop and new routine”
11. “Just donated my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.”
12. “From damaged and over processed because I wanted blonde curls so bad, to embracing my natural dark hair!”
13. “I saw my daughter’s beautiful curls start to form, I knew that the only way she would truly love her hair is if I loved mine too.”
14. “Got the job of my life, so I chopped off my hair.”
15. “Donating my hair to Locks of Love!”
16. “After my bass was stolen, I cut all my hair off, sold it for $900, donated $450 to Locks of Love, and bought a new bass with the rest.”
17. “Cut my hair yesterday. I now have 4, 12” ponytails to donate.”
18. “Cut off my hair for locks of love.”
19. “Kind of a reverse transformation, I kicked my obsession with modifying my hair and finally let it grow out natural and healthy!”
20. “Long hair to short hair, before and after”
If you were to have a hair makeover, what style would you choose? Share your own OMG-worthy hair transformation in the comments!
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