Why photos of the Queen at Prince Philip's memorial almost never happened
Palace officials tried to block photos of the Queen being escorted by Prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey, a royal photographer has claimed
A photographer has revealed how he managed to take photos of the Queen's arrival at Prince Philip's memorial last Tuesday after palace officials tried to stop him from capturing the historic event.
- A photographer has revealed how he managed to take photos of the Queen at Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey after palace officials forbid him from capturing the historic moment.
- Writing for The Times, Richard Pohle admitted that he committed the 'most cardinal of sins' in order to successfully photograph Her Majesty being escorted to her seat by the Duke of York last Tuesday.
- In other royal news, Kate Middleton's concern for Prince Louis's wellbeing after birth revealed.
A photographer for The Times has shared his ordeal in capturing the Queen's arrival at Prince Philip's memorial ceremony last week after royal staff almost stopped him from taking shots of the monarch walking into Westminster Abbey.
Writing for the national newspaper on Monday, Richard Pohle revealed that he had been told by a Buckingham Palace press officer not to photograph Her Majesty until she had been seated—an order he admittedly 'balked' at.
It's understood that the 95-year-old's mobility had been a major source of concern for the Firm, with some reports speculating she may require a wheelchair to access the historic London cathedral.
Pohle was concerned that 'the entire British media' would be demanding answers if he failed to deliver a photo of the Queen entering the church, especially considering that the BBC was 'broadcasting the entire event to the world.' His attempts to negotiate with the royal press officers on the matter, however, fell on deaf ears.
"I tried holding my desperation in check and argued my case as I tried to devise a diplomatic solution, but I was by myself and had no one in authority to back me up," he said.
"The palace officials stood firm, no pictures until she was seated."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
It was only when the news broke that the Queen would be "escorted to her seat by the Duke of York" that Pohle insisted on capturing the moment.
"This changed everything," he wrote. "The arrival of the Queen was now the major news event. I could see them wavering but they repeated that the no picture order 'came from the top' and that 'it wasn’t up to them'."
Pohle then highlighted to palace officials the absurdity of allowing the BBC's cameras to film the momentous occasion but forbidding still photography—a comment that seemed to "have an effect." After making a quick phone call, one of the press officers approved his request to take pictures of the Queen walking with her disgraced son.
Unfortunately, Pohle's struggle to capture the high-profile event didn't end here.
The award-winning photographer's view of Her Majesty was initially blocked when she entered Westminster Abbey with Prince Andrew, forcing him to move from his "official position" to cover her arrival.
"I had forgotten that when the Queen enters a room everyone stands up," he admitted. "That’s exactly what happened. Now I couldn’t see a thing for rows of dignitaries and ladies’ hats."
Desperate not to miss the opportunity, Pohle "jumped off my footstool" and slid "between rows of seats opposite where the Queen would walk."
"Suddenly moving from an official position while on a royal rota is the most cardinal of sins," he added. "I brushed past the press officer and could feel a hand reach out to try and stop me but I rushed past and crouched in the center of the aisle."
After successfully snapping a photo of the Queen arm-in-arm with Prince Andrew, he returned to his appointed position and 'whispered an apology' to the 'frowning' press officer.
Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
The 32 best wooden flooring looks around the home, that will instantly transform your space
From your kitchen to bedroom, try these wooden flooring looks for a stylish upgrade...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
32 ways to make a white bathroom look anything but boring
From decorative tweaks to splashes of colour, these are the best ways to make a white bathroom look anything but boring...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
Kate Middleton’s cosy turtleneck, wide-leg trousers and long coat made navy and camel one of our favourite colour combinations
The Princess of Wales stepped out in 2023 wearing a navy outfit layered with a camel coat and the contrast was sensationally striking
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's signature eye makeup look that's the 'epitome of timelessness' is so easy to recreate if you want instant accentuation
The Princess of Wales's 'timeless' eye makeup look involves a sweep of black eyeliner and she's shown how subtle and striking this can be
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s knitted Bardot dress is a cosy staple that'll take you from catch-ups over coffee to Christmas party glam
The Princess of Wales doesn't often wear Bardot necklines but her knitted white dress from 2019 was a versatile show-stopper
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's high street leather Chelsea boots are the chic and sturdy winter footwear we're ready to invest in for wet season
The Princess of Wales's Thea Leather Chelsea Boots by Reiss are the perfect fit for stylish outdoor dressing
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl drop earrings are a fast-track to elegance - these alternatives are perfect for achieving this classic style
The Princess of Wales has often been spotted wearing this stunning pair of pearl drop earrings and this look is so easy to recreate
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William's excuse to get out of 'competitive' game night with Middletons
Prince William is reportedly not a big fan of the Middleton family's 'favourite' fast-paced card game and he used this excuse to get out of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton reflects upon the 'importance of supporting one another' in the wake of 'tragedy' as she meets Southport community
The Princess of Wales joined Prince William for a visit to Southport and shared a poignant message about the 'powerful reminder' it gave them
By Emma Shacklock Published