Royal Photographer Highlights King Charles Image as Symbol of Monarchy Change
Published March 9, 2026 3:11pm | Updated March 9, 2026 3:11pm
When King Charles III and Queen Camilla waved to fans from the Buckingham Palace balcony after their 2023 coronation, a subtle detail in a photograph captured by Chris Jackson, the British royal photographer for Getty Images, is said to signal a significant transformation in the monarchy. Jackson, with nearly two decades of experience photographing the royal family, asserts that this image, featured on the cover of his new book Modern Majesty: The British Royal Family in a New Era, would have been unthinkable during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
Breaking Tradition with a Behind-the-Scenes Shot
The photograph, taken from inside Buckingham Palace, shows King Charles and Queen Camilla looking out at thousands of celebratory fans gathered around the Victoria Memorial. Jackson emphasizes that while the picture is visually striking, its composition is what makes it historically important. Traditionally, photographing royals from behind has been discouraged, viewed as bad manners and an invasion of privacy, with protocols favoring front-facing shots to maintain dignity and respect. This rule even influenced the introduction of a 'no selfie' policy, though younger royals like Prince William and Princess Kate have often disregarded it.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Jackson stated, 'Capturing that moment from behind the royal couple on the balcony of Buckingham Palace was something that would never have been allowed during Queen Elizabeth's reign. It signalled a change.' This shift reflects a broader effort to modernize the monarchy, with the Prince and Princess of Wales previously discussing the need to make the royal family more relatable and connected to younger generations.
Contrasting Monarchs and Evolving Approaches
Jackson contrasted the two monarchs, describing Queen Elizabeth as an 'iconic figure who was revered and respected around the world,' and someone he thoroughly enjoyed photographing. However, since King Charles ascended the throne, Jackson has noticed a significant change in royal operations and the king's approach to his role. He expressed admiration for King Charles, praising his ability to connect globally across cultures and languages, as well as his strong work ethic and dedication to duty.
Jackson added that his book 'encapsulates how the Royal Family is moving forward, honouring tradition while adopting a more open and modern approach.' King Charles's coronation exemplified this relaxed style, being shortened to one hour compared to Queen Elizabeth's three-hour ceremony in 1953, featuring more casual wardrobe choices like Kate's floral headpiece instead of a tiara, and emphasizing sustainability with eco-friendly practices such as reusing historic items and using vegan oil for the anointing.
Future Visions and Personal Insights
Royal biographer Russell Myers recently told US Weekly that Prince William and Princess Kate have a 'totally different vision' for the monarchy's future, focusing on accountability and engagement with younger generations both domestically and abroad. Myers noted they aim to create a system that works for the people, prioritizing family life before public profile, a departure from past royal structures.
Jackson also shared personal insights into the senior royals, highlighting their unique traits. He recalled Queen Elizabeth's 'extraordinary sense of calm, duty, and subtle humour,' while complimenting King Charles for his 'deep curiosity, warmth, and intellectual engagement.' Of Prince William, he said he combines responsibility with an informal, approachable manner that resonates with youth, and praised Princess Kate for her warmth, friendliness, and natural ability to connect with young people by engaging at their level.
This evolving approach underscores a monarchy in transition, balancing heritage with contemporary relevance as it navigates a new era under King Charles's leadership.
