Why this rare childhood photo of the Queen was a Royal Family first
The family portrait was arranged to meet the growing demand for royal photos
A rare photo of the Queen as a child has been released—and it highlights an important milestone in the Royal Family's relationship with the public.
- A photo of the Queen as a child has been released by the Royal Collection Trust to mark the anniversary of King George VI's ascension to the British throne in December 1936.
- The family portrait was arranged in response to the growing demand for images of the British monarch and his children in the aftermath of King Edward VII's abdication.
- In other royal news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face major setback after controversial BBC documentary.
A rare photo from the Queen's childhood has been shared by the Royal Collection Trust, in celebration of the anniversary of King George VI's ascension to the throne.
The sweet group shot, which was captured by Marcus Adams in December 1936 four days after the late monarch came to power, was released in response to the growing demand for photos of the new Royal Family. The photo is likely to delight fans of the younger generation of royals, with the Queen's likeness to Princess Charlotte undeniably evident in the vintage snap.
In the black-and-white photo, a ten-year-old Princess Elizabeth is seated with her younger sister, Princess Margaret, as well as her mother, Queen Elizabeth, and her father, King George VI.
Wearing a sleeveless white gown and a delicate necklace, she is nestled between her parents while staring directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Six-year-old Margaret, who is dressed identically to her big sister, is sitting next to her mother on the far right of the picture. She appears slightly less serious than Princess Elizabeth, offering the camera a gentle smile while she clasps onto the Queen's hand.
A post shared by Royal Collection Trust (@royalcollectiontrust)
A photo posted by on
It's understood that the British society photographer had positioned the family to appear as close-knit as possible, in an attempt to reassure the country after the infamous scandal of King Edward VII's abdication.
While they may seem like a modern phenomenon, demand for Royal Family photos actually dates back as early as the mid-1800s.
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.
As camera technology advanced throughout the 19th century, Britain's most iconic clan began to gradually let the public in on its decadent inner world—one grainy snapshot at a time. In 1860, Queen Victoria shook up the status quo when she allowed a series of carte-de-visite portraits of herself to be published, changing the relationship between the nation and the monarchy forevermore.
By the 1920s, the Royal Family had fully embraced the importance of photography in curating their public image. As well as inviting trusted photographers, like Marcus Adams, into their various households, they also permitted the media to capture major royal events, such as coronations and weddings.
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.
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children
There's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
By Jack Slater Published
-
Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume go-to is actually a men's cologne - and it offers a fresh and refined impression
For those who prefer verdant and woody unisex signatures, Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume is well worth a spritz (or ten...)
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children
There's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
By Jack Slater Published
-
The unlikely royals teaching Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis how to be 'spares'
There are apparently two royals setting an example to Prince William and Kate's younger children as they prove they're 'up to the task'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite snack is surprisingly mature - and she inherited her love for it from Kate Middleton
Princess Charlotte is partial to a rather grown-up snack...
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Will Princess Charlotte be a working royal and keep her security? Here's what could be in store for Kate and William's only daughter
Princess Charlotte has a big destiny ahead of her as the daughter and sister of future Kings - but does that mean she'll be a working royal?
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
When will Princess Charlotte wear a tiara for the first time and which one could it be?
When will Princess Charlotte wear a tiara? This is when we predict her first tiara moment will be and there are several she could choose
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The subtle meaning of Princess Charlotte's name that honours four iconic royals
Princess Charlotte was christened with two special middle names - and even her first name is a nod to a relative
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
32 times the royal children struggled to behave at official events, from the Queen's Jubilee to the King's Coronation
All parents will relate to the 32 times the royal children struggled to behave at official events...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
King Charles's huge change for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as he switches focus
According to a royal author King Charles has taken a different approach in recent years and made a big change for his Wales grandchildren
By Emma Shacklock Published