Queen Elizabeth II possessed a fortune worth millions, multiple palaces and castles, and the world's largest private art collection. Yet, there were a few things the late monarch never owned, and one of them was a passport. This fascinating detail has been brought to light in an amusing anecdote shared by artist Chris Levine, who sat with the Queen at Buckingham Palace for a portrait session.
Exclusive Passport-Style Images Released
Levine has now released, exclusively to the Daily Mail, striking passport-style photographs from one of his two sittings with the Queen, who died in 2022 at the age of 96. His holographic portrait of the Queen, who would have turned 100 next Tuesday, was previously described by the National Portrait Gallery as 'the most evocative image of a royal by any artist'.
The Amusing Exchange During the Sitting
Levine recounted the moment when his assistant, Nina Duncan, remarked during the 3D laser scan, 'It's a bit like having your passport photo taken, Your Majesty'. The Queen responded with a smile, saying, 'One doesn't need a passport photo'. Levine captured a head-on picture just after that exchange, using a small digital, hand-held camera. He noted, 'I always liked it but never released it'.
Why the Queen Never Had a Passport
As clarified on the royal website, 'When travelling overseas, the Sovereign does not require a British passport. As a British passport is issued in the name of His Majesty, it is unnecessary for the King to possess one.' This rule applies to all reigning monarchs, exempting them from the standard travel documentation required by other citizens.
Behind the Scenes of the Royal Portraits
The Queen first sat for Levine in 2003, resulting in a celebrated image that uniquely captured her with her eyes closed. At the time, Levine had just returned from a ten-day meditative silent retreat. The Queen shared, 'My meditation is my gardening at Balmoral.' During a second sitting, they discussed titles for the first-ever holographic portraits: Lightness of Being (eyes open) and Equanimity (eyes shut). The Queen nodded enthusiastically at the latter, remarking, 'It's appropriate – things aren't always how they seem.' Levine reflected, 'I often still wonder what she meant by that?'
Collaboration with Royal Confidante Angela Kelly
Levine worked closely with the Queen's dresser and confidante, Angela Kelly, to style the Queen and select the coronation diamond diadem for the portrait. On the morning of the sitting, an oversight in collecting the crown led to a quick resolution when Kelly delivered it, saying the Queen had instructed, 'If he wants the diadem, he shall have the diadem.' Levine described the experience as 'a great honour', noting that he put his 'heart and soul into it'.
The passport photos were captured in 2004 after Levine was commissioned by Jersey to mark 800 years of the island's loyalty to the British monarch. These images, along with the broader story, offer a rare glimpse into the unique privileges and personal moments of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
