A new photography exhibition at Blenheim Palace showcases over 100 royal images spanning three centuries, including the last public photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and rare intimate family moments. The exhibition, titled "Life Through a Royal Lens," transforms the 183-foot Long Library into a gallery and runs until September 27.
Last public photo of Queen Elizabeth II
The exhibition features the final public photograph of the late Queen, taken two days before her death in September 2022, when she appointed Liz Truss as Prime Minister at Balmoral. This poignant image is among the highlights of the collection.
Intimate royal family moments
Rare off-duty images include a young Prince Charles lifting his toddler sister Anne through a sitting room window at Balmoral, with Queen Elizabeth II carefully pulling her up from inside. Other highlights include portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, and images from the first three years of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's reign, including their Coronation.
Images of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Pictures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are included, notably the King's 70th birthday portrait taken by Chris Jackson in September 2018. The formal and informal snap shows the King with Prince George on his knee, sitting on a bench with the Queen, Princess Charlotte, and Princes William and Harry standing behind with their wives Catherine and Meghan. Catherine holds baby Prince Louis in her arms.
Diana, Princess of Wales
The exhibition includes playful black-and-white portraits of Diana with her young sons, as well as the world-famous images of her walking through a minefield in protective clothing and shaking hands with Aids patient Ivan Cohen without gloves.
Historic and scandalous images
Historic photographs include the first photo of a British sovereign shared with the public: a relaxed family portrait of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their nine children taken at Osborne House in May 1857. A scandalous 1967 image of Princess Margaret, taken by her husband Lord Snowdon, shows her appearing naked with arm and shoulders uncovered. Other pictures feature Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Wallis Simpson.
Pioneering photographers
The exhibition features works by Victorian-era pioneers as well as 20th and 21st century giants like Cecil Beaton, Marcus Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Rankin. It also includes images taken by royals themselves.
Venue and curation
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, hosts the exhibition in its Long Library, which houses 10,000 books and the Willis organ. The exhibition was created by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity, and curated by expert historians to showcase the enduring relationship between the Crown and the camera over three centuries.
Eleri Lynn, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: "The medium of photography has shaped public perception of the British monarchy since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first embraced it for their own family portraits. For the first time, this display of images spanning 300 years of family photoshoots, commissioned portraiture and official engagements will embark on a tour intended to span the UK. We are thrilled visitors to Life Through a Royal Lens at Blenheim Palace will be able to explore the history behind the iconic image of modern monarchy we know today."
Additional attractions and ticket information
To coincide with the exhibition, Blenheim Palace has launched "Life Below Stairs," an immersive experience offering a glimpse into the 1890s, showcasing the work and camaraderie of staff preparing for a royal visit. Until September 1, the palace offers government summer VAT savings on tickets: day tickets start from £27.13 for adults and £13.13 for children, while annual passes start from £35.88 for adults and £21 for children. Exhibition entry is included in Palace entrance tickets.
