Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022. The Briton Arthur Edwards photographed her for 45 years. He remembers a majestic woman – who always amazed him, as he says in the interview.
Londoner Arthur Edwards, born in 1940, has been photographing members of the British royal family for the British newspaper “The Sun” for 46 years. He became famous in 1980 with his iconic image of the then 19-year-old kindergarten teacher Diana Spencer in a see-through skirt. Between 1977 and 2022, Edwards accompanied the Queen on many official appointments. Today he often works with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Mr Edwards, a year ago Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral. How did you find out about it?
I was at Dumfries House, Charles’s Scottish country estate. The day before, I had photographed the winner of our competition on behalf of my newspaper; the prince had presented the prize. The next morning I was supposed to fly back to London, but suddenly there was a short-term change of plans – Charles had to go to Balmoral to see the Queen.
Did you have any idea that she was dying?
Yes, the situation suddenly became very serious. Charles arrived in time to say goodbye to her. The other family members had to travel from London and unfortunately arrived too late.
They photographed Queen Elizabeth very often. How was she?
Impressive. When we traveled with the other members of the family, the atmosphere was relaxed, you could joke with them and make small talk. But with the Queen it was different – she was majestic, you didn’t just talk to her like that, that was the first rule. And then again she suddenly stopped in front of me and said: “Thank you for the beautiful photos you sent me!” She never ceased to amaze me.
Was she easy to photograph?
She was more introverted than Charles and more serious; with her you always had to wait for the right moment. And she would never have played table tennis with children for the cameras like the other royals, she was too formal for that. But when she smiled, you had the picture in the box. She had a charming smile, it brightened up every photo.
In 2011, the Queen awarded you the award “Member of the British Empire”. How was it?
It was a great honor for me. As she pinned it on, she said with a laugh, “I can’t believe I’m giving you this medal!” Two weeks later she saw me again at the Windsor Horse Show and immediately asked: “And where is your medal? Why aren’t you wearing it?”
You have also been photographing Charles for a long time. Has he changed as king?
The protocol around him has of course become more formal and he now has to be politically neutral. But he’s the same warm-hearted Charles he always was. It’s not easy for him – his mother was probably the most popular woman in the world.
What does he do differently than her?
He is a talented speaker – take his speech in the German Bundestag, which was a diplomatic success. He writes his own speeches as far as he is able. And he approaches people and seeks dialogue. This even applies to his opponents: recently, at an official meeting in Milton Keynes, a few anti-monarchists protested with posters. Charles walked up to them and spoke to them, he didn’t ignore them. His style is more relaxed, modern.
And what is your impression of Queen Camilla?
Her influence on Charles is very positive. She is a wonderful, warm person, just like the king. I have a lot for them both, also on a personal level. You know, I recently turned 83 and people often ask me why I’m still working. I love my job because I really appreciate the people I photograph.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
