
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
Son donates hair to his mom who has been battling a recurrent brain tumor for nearly 20 years

What was intended to be a joke ended up being one of the greatest gifts a mother could ever have from her son.
An Arizona guy grew out his hair for over three years in order to give it to his mother, who lost her hair due to radiation treatment.
Matt Shaha declared, “It makes perfect sense.” “In the first place, she gave me the hair.”
Melanie Shaha battled a benign brain tumor for many years.
She remarked, “I had surgery twice, in 2003 and 2006, for a pituitary tumor that was recurrent and benign brain tumor.”
After two successful surgeries to remove it, she was prescribed radiation in 2017 when it reappeared.
“I inquired with my doctor, ‘Will my hair fall out?’” and they replied, “No.”
She lost her hair three months later.
A TWO-DAY WEEK…
She remarked today, “When you don’t have hair, you stand out like a sore thumb and kind people can say things that make you cry.” “Looking sick bothers me more than actually being sick.” At the store, I’d want to fit in rather than stand out.
Shortly after Melanie started experiencing hair loss, her son, who is 27 years old, made a joke one day about growing his hair out and getting a wig for her.
I began working with Matt Shaha a year ago, and he is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Among the original…
Even though Melanie’s son was receiving such a nice offer, she didn’t want to burden him with it.
But Matt had a different perspective. For the next 2.5 years, he let his hair grow out. He went to his mother’s house with a few coworkers when his hair was at the right length, and they chopped it off.
I began working with Matt Shaha a year ago, and he is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Among the original…
Melanie remarked, “We were so excited that we started crying when they started cutting.”
He even paid the $2,000 to have the wig created when the time came.
The mother and son team discovered a wigmaker who created a lighter and more comfortable wig by hand-stitting the hair. Melanie had the wig trimmed and styled as soon as it arrived.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen my mom look like that since she lost it, so it’s been about four years,” Matt remarked upon seeing her in it.
Melanie, smitten with her new appearance, conceded that surpassing her son’s present would be difficult. “It definitely fills your heart.”
Melanie is very happy! Look at her expression! Matt is even grinning broadly. For them both and their families, I adore this.
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