Gemma Strong
The Queen’s surprising request when it came to having her photograph taken revealed by Rankin
The late Queen was one of the world’s most photographed people – an icon to millions around the world.
MORE: The rare times the late Queen was moved to tears in public – see emotional photos
Over the course of her 70-year reign, the monarch was certainly used to having her image captured and shared across the globe. But there was one part of herself that she did not like to expose in pictures.
WATCH: Little Prince Louis sings God Save The Queen
Top photographer Rankin was among those lucky enough to have the chance to spend time with the Queen. He was one of ten photographers invited to take the Queen’s picture for her Golden Jubilee in 2002 – and he later revealed a surprising admission from the monarch.
READ: Prince William reveals the one thing the Queen banned him from doing on his wedding day
MORE: Royal tradition the Queen broke for Countess Sophie revealed
Describing the sitting in an interview recorded before the Queen’s death, he told the Tea with Twiggy podcast: “Of course she came in and this wave of empowerment washes over you.
The Queen told Rankin she didn’t like having her hands photographed
“I’ve never felt that aura and she was just so funny from the minute she walked in. I was like, ‘I really want to photograph you holding the sword,’ and she said, ‘I don’t like my hands.’
READ: Royal rule-breakers! 14 times the Queen and her family bent the rules
MORE: Queen Elizabeth II’s touching handwritten letter to Prince William revealed
“[I thought] that’s the best ‘get out’ for holding the sword. I’m probably not supposed to say that, but what I loved about her is she’s so smart and everything in response that she was saying had this amazing twist to it.
Rankin has also worked with the likes of Kate Moss, Madonna and David Bowie
“It was just really, really brilliant. I loved it – I spent five minutes with her, so I don’t know her intimately.”
READ: The Queen’s favourite breakfast was simpler than you think
MORE: The Queen’s teatime rule revealed: why pointy sandwiches are banned
Rankin further revealed that before the shoot he had seen the Queen laughing and joking with a footman, which was something he wanted to capture.
The Queen was “so funny from the minute she walked in”
He said, via The Times: “I was in the throne room and she was walking down this corridor and I could see her and the footman walking. They were both laughing, just cracking up, and I was like, ‘That’s what I want.’ So that was in my head the whole time.
“I got a really amazing note where the curator said my photograph of her is one of their favourites – which I think means the Palace’s favourite – because she’s really laughing in my picture.”
Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.
