Photographer Arthur Edwards is celebrating five decades of capturing the British monarchy through his lens. From his early days scrambling through bushes to his long-standing friendship with King Charles, the 86-year-old has become a fixture of royal history.
From East London undergrowth to Highgrove gallops
Arthur Edwards' journey from a student in East London to a royal photography titan is a story of persistence. As reported by the Telegraph,Edwards' career began in earnest around 1976, a time when he was famously "crawling about in the undergrowth" to secure the perfect shot of the royal family.
The early years of his career were marked by a certain grit and occasional friction with the royals themselves. In 1980, during a tense moment at Highgrove, Edwards reportedly ended an argument with the then-Prince Charles by shouting, "At least I’ve got a job!" as the future King galloped away. This raw, unpolished era of royal photography stands in stark contrast to the highly managed media landscape of the 21st century.
Princess Diana’s hat jokes and Sarah Ferguson’s "No comment" socks
The relationship between the press and the royals has often been defined by personal charm rather than just professional distance . Edwards describes the late Princess Diana as a "nice megastar" who possessed a playful spirit. In 1991, the Princess famously teased the photographer about his fashion choices, asking if he was wearing a specific hat as part of a bet when she spotted him in a tweed flat cap during a rainstorm.
Other members of the royal circle also shared this sense of levity with the photographer ... According to the source, Sarah Ferguson once gifted Edwards a pair of Christmas socks that featured the phrase "No comment" embroidered on them. These anecdotes highlight a side of the monarchy that is often obscured by formal protocols, showing a level of familiarity that few outsiders ever achieve.
The "Duracell bunny" bond between King Charles and Arthur Edwards
The current connection between King Charles and Arthur Edwards is built on a foundation of mutual respect and long-term familiarity. the King, who described Edwards in 2018 as a "very special person," maintains a unique rapport with the photographer.. Their social arrangement is simple: the King calls him Arthur, and Edwards addresses him as "Sir."
Edwards has noted that the King's tireless work ethic is a major part of his appeal, comparing the monarch to a "Duracell bunny" because he never seems to stop. This professional admiration is coupled with a deep personal respect, as Edwards views the King as a humble and decent man who has provided him with a remarkable life following his modest beginnings in East London.
The uncertain transition for an 86-year-old icon
While Edwards remains active in his profession, the long-term future of his unique vantage point remains unconfirmed. The 86-year-old photographer has stated that he continues to work primarily because he enjoys the companionship and the presence of the King. However, the source does not clarify if he has any plans for retirement or how his presence will shift as the royal family continues to evolve.
There are also questions regarding how much of this personal, informal access will survive in a changing media era. As the monarchy moves into a new chapter, it remains to be seen whether the era of the "trusted photographer" who can joke with the royals will persist, or if the distance between the lens and the throne will grow even wider.
Comments 0