The story behind some of the iconic images that shaped royalty in the modern age is about to be shared.

Cecil Beaton took some of the most famous photos of royals including the celebrated Coronation portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

Now, a leading royal historian is set to reveal how these celebrated images came about.

Hugo Vickers will draw on his own conversations with members of the Royal Family, including The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, to shed a light on how Beaton changed the very perception of royalty through imagery.

During a special conversation, at The King’s Gallery in London on September 26th 2024, Hugo Vickers will discuss how some of Cecil Beaton’s most famous sitters, the royals, felt about him and his ideas. the event, organised by the Royal Collection Trust, will also share how one photographer developed such a strong relationship with the Royal Family.

And he’ll reveal how the son of a timber merchant who was taught to use a camera in childhood went on to be one of the most represented artists in the Royal Collection.

Hugo Vickers said of Cecil Beaton that ”I have been writing and lecturing about his life and work since 1980 and his royal photography is simply the best.”

Visitors to The King’s Gallery have had a chance to see some of that photography over the summer in a special exhibition, ”Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” put on by the Royal Collection Trust.

Hugo Vickers said ”I am excited to be talking about Cecil Beaton at the King’s Gallery…in the glorious exhibition in which so many of his memorable and iconic portraits are displayed.”

Following the talk, there will be a chance to see the work of Cecil Beaton up close as tickets include a private tour of the exhibition.

Cecil Beaton – Photographing the Royal Family is at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace on September 26th and starts at 6.30pm. Tickets are £35 and must be booked in advance. Booking information is available on the special web page.

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