Iconic royal photographer reveals the picture he regrets taking the most

A legendary royal photographer has opened up about the picture he regrets taking the most throughout his distinguished career. Arthur Edwards, who joined The Sun in 1975, has travelled with the Royal Family to 120 countries and has become hugely popular among the likes of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Speaking as part of The Sun’s Life Stories series, Mr Edwards revealed some of his favourite royal run-ins, including the photograph he regrets taking the most of Diana, Princess of Wales. Looking back on how he started his career with an “aggressive approach”, Mr Edwards recalls a trip he took to Barbados in the early 1980s.

He revealed: “When I started doing the job, I wasn’t bothered one way about the Royal Family.”

He continued: “The thing about the newspaper business is you can’t come back empty-handed, editors don’t want excuses, they want pictures. So I was aggressive, and some of the things I did then I’d be ashamed of today.”

Reflecting back on the trip where he took the photo he regrets, Mr Edwards adds: “I went to the Bahamas in 1982 while Diana was pregnant with William and photographed her in a bikini on the beach with Charles.

“There would be uproar over that now. It was probably one of the things I regret because they didn’t see me as I was hiding in the bushes. I got great pictures, of course, but I got a lot of stick for it.

“The only person who was pleased with the photos was my editor, even the office driver was disgusted with what I had done.”

Last month, the 84-year-old, who still works full-time, was presented with the first Lifetime Achievement gong at the British Press Awards.

In a surprising move, the Queen paid tribute to Arthur on behalf of her and King Charles. She said: “I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more.” Arthur received the honour as the biggest names in journalism gathered to salute the very best in the business.

The Queen added: “Not just for your decades of hard graft and talent, but in recognition of the enduring respect, admiration and affection that I know is felt for you across your whole industry — and indeed across the Royal Household.

“For more years than either of us care to remember, you have brought your trademark charm, humour and outstanding skill to countless events.”