#queen elizabeth 70 years

[royally-obsessed]

on this day in 1953

The Coronation

On 2nd June 1953, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in Westminster Abbey.

[kingandqueencambridge]

Does anyone else think it's kinda weird the royal family hasn't done anything more public or elaborate to honour Queen Elizabeth's passing?

Like they have huge Westminster Abby services of thanks for Prince Phillip and others yearly but for the Queen its just a private church service. Feels like a slap in the face to me.

[vox-anglosphere]

Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II

May, 2022

Portrait by Basia Hamilton

[ox1-lovesick]

✶ ─── TOMORROW X TOGETHER AND WHEN YOU LOOK MOST BEAUTIFUL TO THEM

pairing(s). txt x gn reader genre fluff warnings. none(?) wc. 100-200 each

type. headcannon , reaction

a/n. guess who wrote something *everyone applaud* please enjoy this I forced myself to write it because I haven't posted anything since queen elizabeth graduated high school 🥰

★ YEONJUN could already stare at you for hours on end — you always looked so effortlessly beautiful in his eyes, they can't help but wander back to take you in every now and then. You're the prettiest thing he's ever seen, but there's something different about you right now. About your furrowed eyebrows and small pout, about your fleeting gaze, stuck between your laptop screen and notebook as you read over the problem for the nth time hoping it will all magically make sense soon. You look outrageously adorable to him right now, laser focused on solving this equation of letters and numbers so you can move onto your next set of notes. He'd pull out a chair and sit next to you every time, resting his head against the palm of his hand as he watched while you busied yourself with whatever you needed to get done. Sometimes he'd sit and stare in silence, others he'd fondly brush the stray strands of hair away from your eyes so you don't have to, but every time without fail, his eyes would be trained on nothing but you.

★ SOOBIN loved taking care of his skin. It felt like a checkmark in his day, the last task at hand before he could melt into his bed and forget his worries until morning. He instantly felt lighter after taking all his make-up off and gently applying his moisturiser, but doing it with his favourite person makes just that much better. He especially loves when he doesn't have the energy to do it himself, leaving you to do it for him. Fingers gently tapping the products into skin with care, with the occasional kiss on his nose, but what he loves most of all is the sight of you, bare faced and sleepy. Some days he'd feign exhaustion just to stare into your eyes and hold your waist while you massage serum into his skin. He loves you no matter how you look of course, you're always beautiful to him. But being barefaced with each other is intimate, especially when he has to look his best everyday

★ BEOMGYU was never fearful about the sun exploding in 70 something million years, why would he be when he had the replacement right in his arms. Your smile was more than enough to sustain life and light up the solar system. His theory may not be scientifically correct, but in his eyes, it was simply the truth. What a heinous crime it is that you don't own multiple peace prizes for this sight alone—it never failed to make his heart beat out of his chest every time you graced him with its presence. He gets teased to no end by the guys for being horrendously down bad and staring at you with 'goo goo' eyes whenever your lips curl upwards, but how could he help himself? He's sick in the head, mind stuffed full of you and that pretty smile. It's his kryptonite, his one and only weakness, and no one knew it better than you after walking home hand in hand with your brand new jigglypuff plushie and -62837 won in Beomgyu's wallet.

★ TAEHYUN was so weak for things like this. Even under all those muscles he spends hours perfecting at the gym, he's rendered completely and utterly powerless. Weak for holding you closer, weak for pressing a kiss to your forehead, weak for you nuzzling your head further into his chest, weak for falling asleep with the person he adores more than anything next to him, safe and sound in his arms. He always fell asleep much later than you, because he has no self control and can't help but stare. Ever since he'd met you, he's become a morning person. Not because he enjoys starting his day early to be more productive (or to spend another 86 years in the gym) but because he gets to wake up like this. Your limbs tangled in each other, soft breaths against his neck, covered in the warmth of his duvet and comfort of each other. And if you'd allow him to, he'd spend every morning like this for the rest of his life, and die a happy man.

★ HUENINGKAI is a fan-favourite. And while his band mates make it well known who their favourite maknae is, for the sake of their feelings he tells them he loves them all equally, and keeps his favourite a secret. A secret from everyone but you, who just so happens to be said favourite. And his favourite sight on his favourite person? The face you made when he revealed his secret to you. The way your eyes widened, the knowing smile that crept its way onto your face, your nose scrunching in delight, if he could have that moment tattooed on the inside of his eyelids, he'd probably forget what the world looks like from having his eyes closed all the time. He loves this look on you, how excited you get when talking about the drama going on with your classmates or your masterplan to take over the world. Your eyes twinkling and hands flying all over the show because your emotions are just too strong to keep them confined. It might just be his favourite sight of all time, and while he's itching to screech about how adorable you are, he'll keep it his little secret for now

★ OX1-LOVESICK all rights reserved. do not copy, distribute, translate, alter or repost my work without my explicit permission.

[bloodpen-to-paper]

November 5, 2020:

Supernatural makes Destiel canon after 12 years and immediately "buries your gays" by sending Castiel to Super Hell

Putin is rumored to be resigning from his position as the president of Russia

September 8, 2022:

Twitter hosts a Tumblr Sexyman Tournament that accumulates large attention upon reaching the finale, with Sans the Skeleton of Undertale beating Reigen Aratake of Mob Psycho 100

Queen Elizabeth II of England dies, ending her 70-year reign

April 4, 2023:

The long anticipated Barbie movie is given a trailer, sparking an influx of memes formatted to the movie's promotional posters

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is indicted on 34 felonies following years of pushing to have him criminalized for various crimes and misconducts

October 27, 2023:

The Five Night's at Freddy's movie releases in theaters

?

[mickstart]

This is so funny because like you can't SAY this but at the same time yeah of course that was your reaction. I can only fucking imagine getting elected as Prime Minister and within a week queen Elizabeth DIES. Like she's had 70 odd years in which to die and she fucking did it in YOUR tenure. I'd be screaming at her coffin calling her a slag.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Timeline: Part 8 - November 2017

For earlier timeline posts: click here or here.

The one where Meghan's hustle finally starts paying off.

Also, Meghan's PR loyalties begin changing during this month. By mid-December 2017, she's stopped leaking to her usual sources - Star Magazine, US Weekly, and E News.

And when the engagement is announced, you can watch the official stories of how Meghan and Harry met begin changing in real-time.

11/1/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/2/2017: Meghan teases an engagement with adoption of a royal wardrobe.

11/3/2017: Meghan's role on a 2009 TV show resurfaces. Samantha Markle reveals internal family racism towards Doria and Meghan, and William's friends reopen a nightclub that Harry used to party at.

11/4/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/5/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/6/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/7/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/8/2017: Soho Farmhouse announces expansion plans. Meghan merches beauty products and calls Kate a fashion copycat.

11/9/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/10/2017: A television program searches for a Meghan Markle lookalike.

11/11/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/12/2017: Remembrance Sunday for the UK. The press points out that Harry is breaking military code by keeping his beard whilst wearing a military uniform. Doria sells her high school photos to the Daily Mail.

11/13/2017: Meghan papped filming wedding scenes for Suits.

11/14/2017: Meghan papped again on Suits sets. She fuels engagement rumors by hinting she plans to leave the show (but technically she already confirmed it last month).

11/15/2017: Affair rumors about Prince Philip resurface, ahead of The Crown Season 2 release. Promos reveal that the season will focus on tension in Philip and Elizabeth's marriage.

11/16/2017: Meghan lays groundwork for a PR narrative that the royal family is jealous of her popularity by reminding everyone that The Queen and Prince Philip were angry about Diana's popularity.

11/17/2017: Meghan's body-double/Suits stand-in reveals Meghan is moving to London soon. Meghan moves her dogs to the UK and merches her boots.

11/18/2017: Genealogists discover that Meghan's ancestor was beheaded by Henry VIII.

11/19/2017: Meghan owes her celebrity to her father's lottery win. Diana's former lover, Hasnat Khan, announces his engagement.

11/20/2017: The Queen and Prince Philip celebrate 70 years of marriage and Her Majesty appoints Philip Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. The royals celebrate with a swanky party at Windsor Castle; Meghan is not invited (her absence is confirmed next month). Meanwhile:

Meghan is papped arriving at the UK airport.

Samantha Markle gives an interview declaring desire to be invited to the royal wedding.

Financial reports announce that the Royal Family has contributed 1.8 billion pounds to the UK economy.

A rumor begins that Prince George will make a special guest appearance on Fireman Sam.

11/21/2017: Meghan is papped in London doing her Christmas shopping. She leaks to US Weekly that she has officially moved out of her Toronto house, her furniture was put into storage, and her personal belongings have been shipped to the UK.

The Daily Mail fires a warning to Meghan about how the 'needy' King Edward trapped Wallis Simpson and made it so she couldn't leave him. The implication is that Harry is similarly needy and will trap Meghan in a similar unhappiness.

11/22/2017: Meghan merches her scarf.

11/23/2017: Meghan gets a facial and merches the spa, fueling engagement rumors.

11/24/2017: Revisiting Prince Philip's stag party. Kensington Palace announces William and Kate will attend the Royal Variety Performance. Meghan leaks to E News that she and Harry are "practically" engaged, fueling more engagement rumors.

11/25/2017: No new Meghan or Harkle stories.

11/26/2017: Meghan merches her facialist and her treatment. The Daily Mail scoops Buckingham Palace and reveals an announcement is coming. They also recap Harry and Meghan's relationship and reveal that both Doria and Meghan have received RPO security details.

11/27/2017: Kensington Palace announces the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and:

The Telegraph republishes its "Meghan Markle: The Making of a Hollywood Princess" story.

Meghan merches her coat, shoes, health tips, beauty, skincare, and boots.

They hint at receiving Sussex titles.

Revisiting all of Harry's ex-girlfriends.

Meet Meghan's besties and potential bridesmaids.

The Markle family comments on the royal engagement.

Meghan and Harry will live in Nottingham Cottage.

How Meghan Markle went from seedy LA tenement to the Palace.

How Catholic Meghan Markle survived her parents' LA divorce.

Meghan's life in photos

Meet the Markles

Meghan and Crown Princess Mary (of Denmark) are style sisters.

Mishal Husain was hand-picked by Harry to conduct the engagement interview.

Speculation about the wedding dress begins, with Meghan teasing an Australian designer.

Meghan leaks to US Weekly that she and Harry spent the weekend away before announcing their engagement.

Meghan leaks about her preparation and support from Harry to become royal.

Diana and Meghan would have been best friends.

Meghan retires from acting.

How Meghan tamed Harry

Royal fashion showdown: Meghan, Diana, and Kate

11/28/2017: Engagement coverage continues.

Violet von Wesetenholz is the royal matchmaker.

Doria gives a statement on the engagement.

Meghan's sixth grade school photos are published.

Meghan's sexy online photos resurface.

Quid pro quo: How Meghan supports her friends

Meghan and Harry merch Luckington Manor as a prospective home.

No, it's not Violet. The royal matchmaker is Misha Nonoo.

Harry papped at the gym in Chelsea.

Meghan did the calligraphy for Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding.

Actually, Markus Anderson is the royal matchmaker. (I believe this one; the source is US Weekly, which is a confirmed Meghan ally. The Violet and Misha stories are from the Daily Mail.)

Samantha Markle says Thomas wants to walk Meghan down the aisle.

Meghan leaks that she and Harry secretly visited The Queen after announcing engagement.

See? Meghan can do royal glam too -- 11 times she won the red carpet.

Meghan merches her fashion sense and style.

11/29/2017: Engagement coverage continues.

All about Meghan's genealogy (again)

Meghan reveals Bogart was too old to fly and was left behind in Canada. She also leaks that the BRF is forcing her to stop acting and that the BRF is also making her stop her private charity work.

Meghan the humanitarian

Ninaki Preddy sells pictures to the Daily Mail. The motherlode includes a photograph of Meghan posing outside Buckingham Palace.

Meghan expected to join the royal family at Sandringham for Christmas.

Meghan merches tongue massages.

Aaron Korsh, the creator of Suits, reveals that Meghan was written out of Suits in 2016.

Meghan leaks her expectations to be better than Princess Grace of Monaco.

Meghan merches her beauty routine again.

11/30/2017: New day, same story.

Meghan is on the cover of Elle France.

Meghan merches her nose.

Meghan's soap commercial resurfaces.

Meghan's sorority pictures are published.

Kensington Palace announces wedding will be in May.

Remember when Meghan was a fashion expert/consultant for the Today show?

Northwestern University remembers Meghan.

Meghan has royal ancestors.

How will Meghan become a British citizen?

[charlotte-of-wales]

"Royal Family persuaded Queen to end her days at Balmoral"

Princess Royal discloses Elizabeth II feared making life difficult if she died in Scotland

by Hannah Furness, Royal Editor

The late Queen was persuaded to spend her final days at Balmoral as she and the Royal family made preparations for her death, it has emerged.

Queen Elizabeth II had initially feared "it would make things more difficult" if she died at her beloved Scottish home, the Princess Royal has disclosed. Her family eventually convinced her to put her own comfort before her concern for others after a lifetime of duty.

Speaking of her mother's last days in a BBC documentary about the coronation of King Charles III, the Princess described how the family had tried to persuade her that practical issues "shouldn't be part of the decision-making process".

It is the first time the Royal family has spoken of arrangements for the late Queen's death.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on Sept 8 last year, aged 96, after reigning 70 years.

She had extended her annual summer stay at the Aberdeenshire estate, where the Prime Minister asked to travel to Scotland to spare her the journey back to Buckingham Palace for what turned out to be her final engagement.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren had visited Balmoral over the summer, as concern for her health grew. The Duke of Sussex and his family did not make the trip, having fears over their security.

At the time, the palace described the Queen as having "episodic mobility problems", with a series pf cancelled engagements in early 2022 giving way to a peaceful summer without expectation she would appear in public.

In September, she invited Liz Truss, her 15th prime minister, to form a government from Balmoral, breaking with a lifetime of holding the audience in London or Windsor. Then, it was said the Queen had been advised not to travel, with plans for Boris Johnson and Ms Truss to make the 1,000-mile round trip to Scotland instead.

Now, speaking in the documentary, the Princess Royal has paid loving and characteristically practical tribute to her mother.

"We always enjoyed being at Balmoral", she says in a programme to be broadcast on Boxing Day. "We spent a lot of time there in our youth and a lot of it was probably a more independent life than anywhere else. I think there was a moment where she felt it would be more difficult if she died at Balmoral. I think we did try to persuade her that that shouldn't be part of the decision-making process. So I hope she felt that was right in the end, because we did".

The Princess was the only member of the Royal family to be at Balmoral when it became clear the Queen was entering her final hours.

The then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall made an emergency journey from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, with other senior members of the family arriving after she had died.

Speaking of the moment at St. George's Chapel when the Crown Jeweller removed the crown, orb and scepter from her coffin, the Princess told BBC One programme Charles III: The Coronation Year: "When he takes the crown off the coffin, I rather weirdly felt a sense of relief. Somehow that's it, finished. That responsibility being moved on".

Speaking of her brother, who became King instantly, she added: "To be honest, I'm not sure that anybody can really prepare themselves for that kind of change. At least no easily. And then the change happens and you go OK, I know need to get on with it".

The documentary will share behind-the-scenes footage of the King's preparation for his Coronation in May.

The Princess Royal is the only member of the Royal family to be interviewed on camera. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh appear in footage, with no sign of the Duke of Sussex or Duke of York.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By India McTaggart and Tracey Kandohla

21 April 2024

The first statue of Queen Elizabeth II since her death has been unveiled to the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis.

The permanent memorial to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – complete with her own immortalised dogs – has been hailed as a fitting tribute for the “mother of our nation.”

The eye-catching 7ft bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late monarch’s 98th birthday, with a group of her favourite dogs stealing the show.

It takes pride of place outside the library in the market town of Oakham, in Rutland, Britain’s smallest county.

It depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth – who stood at just 5ft 4in – standing at 7ft in regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet, one peeking out from the creases.

It serves as a permanent reminder of her 70-year reign and her enduring affection for the Pembroke Welsh breed.

Sculptor Hywel Pratley believes the memorial will become a hit not only with royal fans, but that it will attract social media users wanting a selfie beside the late monarch and her dogs.

Speaking before the unveiling in front of a 400-person crowd and with a host of local dignitaries attending, he said:

“The plinth is designed to be sat on and I can see the statue becoming popular with the Instagram generation, and why not?

It will make a perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in its back.”

Mr Pratley, 51, who is half Welsh and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, told how he chose to add the corgis for a “bit of fun and to tap into the late Queen’s humanity and address her friendliness.”

He explained he made the statue larger than life because a “life-size Queen Elizabeth is too small. She deserves more.”

The £125,000 statue was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, following the Queen’s death in September 2022.

Addressing the crowds in the spring sunshine, she said:

“We are witnessing a piece of history today with the first statue of Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned since her death and who gave us 70 years of exemplary service.

Rutland may be a small county, but the response to this had been huge with contributions from local businesses and individuals of varying sizes.”

As she spoke, barks from 46 dogs from the Welsh Corgi League rang out, and she said, smiling: “You can hear them!”

She added: “The statue is for everyone.”

Before his cancer battle had been known and made public, King Charles III had been invited to unveil the statue.

It is not known if Palace officials had agreed to the request.

Instead, the honour fell to Alicia Kearns, the Tory MP for Rutland and Melton, before being blessed by Debbie Sellins, the Bishop of Peterborough.

One resident, Hilda Townsend, said: “It is just wonderful. We are the tiniest county, but the first to honour the late majesty in such a big way. It is a very fitting tribute.”

Her husband, John, added: “It is absolutely amazing and, as Rutlanders, makes us extremely proud.”

The unveiling of two of the three bronze corgis was given to two young children who had won a local school art competition.

In an emotional speech, Ms Kearns, 31, said:

“It is an incredible statue of our beloved Queen, who showed unwavering commitment.

We hope we can reflect on her legacy of compassion, strength and leadership. The statue was no mean feat and is for all of Rutland and all of our country, and to come together in joy. Rutland leads and others will follow.”

The MP revealed that the King would be visiting the statue.

Crowds of local residents mingled with visitors from further afield, some waving Union flags, with children sporting gold paper crowns on their heads.

She told spectators: “I am proud to play my very small part in helping to celebrate her reign,” pointing to the statue and saying: “She belongs to all of you.”

Following the unveiling, a lone bagpiper played a lament to the late Queen and the National Anthem was played, with crowds joining in.

Dozens of corgis, some wearing red, white and blue, then posed beside the new monument with their owners and officials before parading along the packed streets to Oakham Castle for a meet-and-greet session with the public.

Among the corgi owners was Katrina Emptage from Lincoln, with her two-year-old pet, Mable.

She said: “The statue is absolutely amazing and I’m delighted to be here to see it and be part of the corgi parade. It is very special.”

The late Queen held a life-long, deep affection for the breed after she fell in love with the dogs as a child.

She owned more than 30 over the years, many of which were direct descendants of the first, Susan, which was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944.

Speaking of his inspiration, Mr Pratley said:

“I very quickly thought that I would like to have a corgi nestling in her robes by her feet because what a great symbol it is, artistically, of her being mother of a nation.”

[royally-obsessed]

on this day in 1952

Her First Christmas Broadcast

Queen Elizabeth II makes her first ever Christmas broadcast to the nation from Sandringham House, Norfolk, 25th December 1952.

[barbariankingdom]

Queen Elizabeth II passed away 2 years ago today. She was the UK’s longest serving monarch, spending 70 years on the throne.

 April 21, 1926- September 8, 2022.

[panderp123]

Cornelius Pendragon

──────── • ✿ • ────────

Name: Admiral Cornelius Edward Pendragon

Gender: Male

Born: 1799

Knighted: 1859

Death: 1869 (Scarlett Fever, aged 70)

Sexuality: Straight

🔹Species: King Cobra 🐍

🔹Height: 6ft 4”

🔹 Relations: Ellie (Wife) ,Sir Pentious (son)

🔹Personality: Stoic, Regal, Strict, Authoritarian, Chivalrous & Kind

🔹Hobbies: Building Ships in a bottle, Reading, Chess & fencing ⚔️.

🔹Likes: Tea, Cakes, Art Galleries, Park walks.

🔹 Dislikes: Disrespectful people, Laziness, Failure, dishonesty, liars, secrets (surprises don’t count)

🔹Backstory:

Born in the peek of the Pirate era, Cornelius was a very happy and energetic child. His parents were wealthy Bankers and owned many of the establishments of London. By the time he was 18 in 1817 he had enlisted in the British Royal Navy.

Cornelius didn’t want his fortune handed to him from his family. He wanted to be a man of his own making. Training with the Navy made him appreciate structure, rules and discipline. Over his years of experience in the Navy he had reached Admiral by the time he was 30.

Driven to rid of Pirates and being sent to other territories a close call during a naval battle made Cornelius take some much needed leave to visit home. Where he asked his mother to find an eligible woman to be his bride. Beatrice was more than delighted to assist!

Lo and behold he was introduced to a lovely woman called Elizabeth Hastings. She was merely 21 going on 22 at the time of their courtship but the Admiral was smitten. Elizabeth or Ellie as she preferred was so sweet, kind and a hopeless romantic for a man in uniform. However, she helped Cornelius bring down those walls to be more himself rather than the Admiral all the time.

The couple were to marry that Spring but due to Cornelius being summoned to sea he proposed they get married during their Christmas holiday with all their family. So after Christmas Mass, the pair went up and became husband and wife.

Once the festivities had died down the nerve wracking moment of their Wedding Night came to being. Cornelius knew this was a big step but he comforted Ellie and understood if she wasn’t ready they could wait. They did go through with it that night and it was very special to both of them.

Ellie saw Cornelius off at the docks, she would write to him at the Port he was stationed at. Even telling him she was expecting their first child, Cornelius was over the moon to become a father. He postponed his annual leave to have time to be there for Ellie at the end of the pregnancy.

Then on that faithful day when Ellie was whisked into the chambers to birth their first child, Cornelius was called in as Ellie had complications during birth. The doctor advised she couldn’t have more children due to risk of her life. Cornelius was understanding but he didn’t leave her side or their son’s while she recovered.

Duties were put aside for his little family as he cradled his son, Arthur. Once Ellie was better she was able to nurse and care for Arthur. Cornelius was overjoyed his little family was ok.

Over the years the trips to the Caribbean became more demanding and it caused a distance between him and Ellie. Sure they did have their marital duties to satisfy each other’s loneliness but it felt like they were becoming different people.

In 1859, Cornelius was invited to Hanover in England from none other than Queen Victoria herself. Due to his bravery and significant contribution to England he was Knighted at 60 years old. (Pen was approximately 11)

A Decade on and Cornelius had heard a rumour about his wife being unfaithful with the gardener whilst he was away. At first, he didn’t believe it yet understood…he wasn’t there but then the doubts started to creep in. Was Arthur even his? Confronting Ellie was the hardest thing he had to do because he knew his Admiral mannerisms would arise. Ellie did admit to it but as she was younger at the time she didn’t know what she wanted. Due to her indecisiveness, Cornelius wasn’t sure what Ellie wanted. So Cornelius distanced himself from both his son and wife.

Even going as far as to stop making ships in a bottle for Arthur…

By the time Arthur was a young man of science and invention both he and his father were more civil and respectful towards one another. Rather than this openly lovely relationship he had with his mother, Ellie.

Cornelius passed away from Scarlet fever in 1869 at 70 but he wished he had fixed things with his family. (Pentious approx 21)

Art by me and @gabendselarom & me

Voice sample claim: Patrick Stewart.

Alternative hood colours depending on mood

──────── • ✿ • ────────

[justforbooks]

Anwar Hussein

Photographer whose work helped to transform the public image of the royal family

The photographer Anwar Hussein, who has died aged 85, was integral to transforming the public image of the British royal family: from the aloof and unknowable to something more human. His photographs will also forever be synonymous with the brief life of Diana, Princess of Wales, but his work was much more than that.

Hussein hailed from what is now Tanzania, but his career began in earnest in the UK in the late 1960s, and his talent led to commissions for portraits of the pop and rock gods of the 70s: Marc Bolan, Elton John, David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Freddie Mercury. Soon Hussein realised he needed a fresh challenge. He wanted to record something more historic, more lasting, and he set his sights on the most exclusive family in the world: the House of Windsor.

As an African-born Muslim, Hussein faced many institutional and cultural obstacles. Back then, the go-to look of a royal photographer was clean-shaven, short back-and-sides and a blazer. Hussein was bearded, wore his hair long and favoured a leather jacket and cowboy boots. The fact that the royal entourage were sceptical, and often told him he stood no chance, made him all the more determined. He needed to break into the clique and bring the counterculture to the establishment.

He studied official photographs and found them too posed and contrived, knowing that if he combined the photojournalism techniques he had honed in Africa and on the streets of swinging 60s London with his experience engaging with the divas of film and music, he could show the Windsors in a new light.

When covering royal events for news outlets, he used a longer lens so as not to be obtrusive, which allowed his subjects to relax. The resulting candid, naturalistic images captured moments in between poses, such as Queen Elizabeth II corralling her corgis at Aberdeen airport in 1974. They also brought him to the attention of a Buckingham Palace that was keen to show the royal family in a more modern, relatable way.

By the end of 1976 Hussein had earned the trust of the Queen and Prince Charles, and he was invited to travel the world documenting royal tours of Africa, Canada, and New Zealand.

The greater Hussein’s access, the more intimate the pictures, and the greater the public’s interest became. Then Lady Diana Spencer burst on to the scene and royal mania took hold. Hussein had photographed her before at social events, but following her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981 the symbiotic relationship between the princess and the photographer began.

Hussein’s sensitive work helped propel Diana to become the most photographed woman in the world, and he captured some of the most memorable and important photographs of the “people’s princess”. He was there when she shook hands with an Aids patient in London in 1987, a landmark moment in the fight against the disease. He photographed her cradling a terminally ill child at a cancer hospital in Lahore in 1996, an image of palpable compassion, and Diana’s favourite photograph, though she was upset to learn the child died shortly afterwards.

As her marriage disintegrated, Diana used the power of photography to signify her unhappiness and isolation. This was epitomised by Hussein’s memorable 1992 shot of Diana sitting alone in front of the Taj Mahal, a building that symbolises enduring love.

“She showed her moods in the way she dressed,” Hussein said – and never more so than when she wore her “revenge” dress to a Vanity Fair party at the Serpentine Gallery in 1994. It was the same day that an ITV documentary disclosed that her estranged husband had admitted to committing adultery. She had bought the Christina Stambolian dress three years earlier, but had initially deemed it too risque for a woman in her position. That evening Hussein was there to capture her “looking like a million dollars”.

Hussein was devastated by the death of Diana. They had become friends, and she often confided in him. On a private plane, at a time when she was dating the surgeon Hasnat Khan, Diana asked the photographer about his interfaith marriage (in 1978 Hussein had married Caroline Morgan, who worked in publishing), and about Islam.

Hussein wrote and contributed to many books on the Windsors, and in 2021 his hugely successful exhibition of photographs, Princess Diana: Accredited Access (which included work by his two sons, Samir and Zakir, who both followed in his footsteps), was launched in Los Angeles and toured the world, closing in London in 2024.

Hussein was born in Chunya in what was then the British colony of Tanganyika, the fourth of the five children of Mohamed Hussein and Sardar (nee Begum). The family moved to Mwanza on the shore of Lake Victoria, where his father worked as a civil servant for the British government. There Hussein attended the local Indian public school, but education was not for him, and he left at 16. Instead his passion was for the camera he had borrowed from his elder brother, Akhtar, who owned a small photo shop in the town. Hussein taught himself on trips to the Serengeti plains, where he photographed the wildlife.

Aiming to earn a living as a photographer, he began to tout for work, and in his early 20s the United Nations commissioned him to document the humanitarian crisis in the Republic of the Congo, where conflict raged following its independence from Belgium. The work there cemented his love for photojournalism, and he decided to move to the UK to pursue his dream.

Arriving in 1963, Hussein initially struggled to find work and accommodation. From a tiny flat in Notting Hill, he lived hand-to-mouth until his breakthrough in 1968. He was documenting an anti-Vietnam war protest outside the American embassy in London when he photographed a police officer being dragged from his horse. He knew he had a great shot and hurried to the Daily Mail, where he persuaded them to develop the film. The result appeared on page one the following day.

He was then hired to cover news events and music festivals, and he began to take celebrity portraits. Hussein wanted his work to be published in magazines, where the display and pay were better than newspapers, so he switched to colour film.

He worked as a stills photographer for movie companies and photographed Sean Connery and Roger Moore on the sets of Diamonds Are Forever and Live and Let Die. Hussein knew how to hustle too. In 1970 he went uninvited to the set of Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans. He quickly built a rapport with McQueen and was given a small role as himself in the film. The star then invited Hussein to work on his next film, Papillon.

In recent years Hussein had begun to wind down, and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023 was his last job. He documented the lives of the royal family for more than five decades and, despite the initial naysayers, he was the longest serving royal photographer. As a child in Tanganyika he had only ever seen the British monarchs on postage stamps and, many years later, it was his photographs that would adorn the Royal Mail’s stamps.

He is survived by his wife, his two sons, four grandchildren and his sister Tasnim.

🔔 Anwar Hussein, photographer, born 3 November 1938; died 23 September 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[princessanneftw]

1953/2023 - Prince Charles and Princess Anne at the coronation of their mother Queen Elizabeth II. 70 years later, Princess Anne and King Charles III at his coronation.

[bitter69uk]

Born on this day 70 years ago: actress, singer, sex kitten, perennial starlet, queen of terrible, terrible movies (like Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and Voyage of the Rock Aliens) and beloved kitsch icon turned credible and durable jazz chanteuse – Miss Pia Zadora (née Pia Alfreda Schipani, 4 May 1954)! For John Waters aficionados, Zadora will always be “Beatnik Girl” in Hairspray (1988): “I play my bongos, listen to Odetta, and then I iron my hair. Dig?” (As Waters raved in his 1987 volume of essays Crackpot,  “She’s shorter than Elizabeth Taylor, cuter than Alvin the Chipmunk, richer than Cher, more publicized than Zsa Zsa and has a better hairdo than Farrah.”). Every time I attend the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, I endeavor to make a religious pilgrimage to see Pia’s one-woman cabaret revue in an Italian restaurant called Piero's, where she sings jazz standards in front of a giant Warhol portrait of herself. In April 2019, my friend Kevin and I even got to hang out with her, and she was a savvy, self-deprecating and adorable down to earth blast! I intend to commemorate the occasion by watching Zadora’s 1982 exploitation flick Fake-Out (aka Nevada Heat), which I just discovered is free to stream on both YouTube and Amazon Prime. It’s filmed on location in Vegas (in and around the long-defunct Riviera casino), co-stars Telly Savalas and Desi Arnaz Jr and is directed by Jayne Mansfield’s sexploitation filmmaker ex-husband Matt Cimber. How can I resist? And crank up “When the Rain Begins to Fall” and “The Clapping Song” LOUD! Pictured: Polaroid of Zadora by Andy Warhol, 1983.

[cantsayidont]

February 1978. Released a year after the royal Silver Jubilee to which the title alludes, this colorful, moderately surreal, definitely pretentious Derek Jarman punk indulgence is framed by an odd sequence in which an angel (Ian Charleson) gives Queen Elizabeth I (Jenny Runacre) and John Dee (Richard O'Brien) a glimpse of the future, where a group of young punks — Amyl (Pamela Rooke, aka Jordan), Crabs (Little Nell, aka Nell Campbell, who could have convincingly played Helen Mirren's younger sister), Viv (Linda Spurrier), Mad (Toyah Willcox), Sphinx (Karl Johnson), Angel (Ian Charleson), and Kid (Adam Ant), along with the somewhat older and decidedly mad Bod (also Runacre) — struggle with end-of-the-world ennui and boredom that they try to fill with looting, sex, music (produced by the deranged Borgia Ginz, played by Jack Birkett, aka Orlando), mindless aggro, and the occasional recreational murder. (The story doesn't ever spell out exactly why the world is ending, but anyone living in the gloomy inflationary austerity of late '70s Britain hardly needed any elaboration on that score.)

Even if you don't recognize the various punk and New Wave figures who appear throughout, the film captures the early punk sensibility pretty well, although for all its mayhem, its aura of studied disaffection makes it rather slow-moving and occasionally dull. This seems intentional — the characters themselves are desperately bored, and while everyone's still going through the motions out of inertia or nostalgia, the point is that there is no point.

For all that, JUBILEE is still significantly less cynical than the later LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS (which also features an array of punk stars), and occasionally manages to seem strangely wistful. CONTAINS LESBIANS? There's a fair amount of gay sex, but the closest it gets to wlw is a scene where Bod and Mad do a little knife-play. VERDICT: Definitely an acquired taste, but if you have any interest in punk, New Wave, or post punk, it's essential viewing. As a companion piece, try the somewhat earlier THE FINAL PROGRAMME (also with Jenny Runacre), based on Michael Moorcock's Jerry Cornelius novel, which is similar in tone and sensibility.