Never-before-seen pictures of the Royal Family have been revealed in a new photography book that offers fresh insight into a subject usually kept in the shadows. The book, titled Trusted Guardians: Inside the Mounted Regiment, features photographs of King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Princess Royal, captured by Norwegian photographer Glenn Røkeberg.
About the Book
The book centers on the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the ceremonial unit of the Household Cavalry Regiment, which serves as the Sovereign's official bodyguard. The Household Cavalry is a union of the two most senior regiments in the British Army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals. It is divided into the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Røkeberg spent nearly two years with the regiment, gaining unprecedented access to its day-to-day life beyond ceremonial duties. He told Town and Country magazine that his time with the members gave him a better understanding of their values and noted their loyalty to the crown. He said, "What became clear to me is that their love of the Royal Family and their pride in their nation are inseparable. At a time when so much in the world feels uncertain, there is something powerful in institutions that transcend the temporary."
Key Photographs
The book includes a photograph of King Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Household Cavalry. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment conducts mounted state and public duties in London. In May alone, they were involved in the King's Escort for the State Opening of Parliament, the Major General's Review for Trooping the Colour, and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Princess Anne, the Colonel of The Blues and Royals, is also featured. Røkeberg captured a candid image of her, reflecting her role within the regiment.
One notable photograph shows the Prince and Princess of Wales on Garter Day in 2025. Røkeberg described the image: "She [Princess Catherine] appears only as a sliver in the frame, yet her presence is deeply felt. To me, the image speaks to the balance of public duty, partnership, and restraint within the Royal Family. It is a quiet photograph, but one that says a great deal about how the Prince and Princess of Wales carry out their roles together."
Another image depicts a soldier on night duty at Horse Guards, highlighting the regiment's round-the-clock responsibilities.
Photographer's Approach
Røkeberg emphasized that most of his photographs were candid and unposed. He explained, "Posing belongs to the age of the perfect selfie. I wanted to photograph them as they were, carrying out their duties within the regiment's life and rhythm." He drew parallels between the regiment's service and his own Norwegian heritage, recalling how the people of Norway rallied around their King during the Second World War while he was in refuge in the UK.
The book is set to be released later this summer, offering a rare glimpse into the world of the Household Cavalry and its relationship with the Royal Family.
