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.
-
Choosing not to have children 'isn't that exceptional' says Renée Zellweger, and she's absolutely right
Renée Zellweger chats candidly about being child-free and getting better at self-care with age - and her approach to life is refreshing to hear
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Holly Willoughby just jumped on the summer belt trend set to be big in 2025
Celebrity Bear Hunt host Holly Willoughby has stepped out wearing a woven belt over a sleek black playsuit and it's a chic summer accessory
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton could make special appearance at event she 'loves' alongside Prince William
The Princess of Wales could potentially attend a high-profile event with Prince William and make her first red carpet appearance of 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The chunky boot trend Kate Middleton comes back to every year effortlessly blends comfort and style
The Princess of Wales's chunky boots are perfect for the colder months and there are three designs she particularly loves to wear
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William make poignant appearance as a duo for first time this year
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their respects as they attended a service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published