Arranging formal royal portraits with young children presents unique challenges, particularly in keeping everyone composed. This was evident during the 2018 photoshoot at Clarence House gardens for King Charles’s 70th birthday celebrations.

The Iconic Family Portrait

Getty Images royal photographer Chris Jackson captured a memorable image featuring King Charles and Queen Camilla seated on a bench. Prince George sat on his grandfather’s lap, Princess Charlotte nestled close to Camilla, and baby Prince Louis rested in his mother, the Princess of Wales’s, arms. The photograph captured the family in peals of laughter, blending formality with genuine joy.

Secrets to Capturing the Laughter

Chris Jackson, author of the new book Modern Majesty, shared insights into creating this lighthearted moment. “We were trying to think about how to make it a little bit more lighthearted,” he explained. “When you do these formal portraits, it can be a little bit stiff.”

“It was a lovely moment, the kids laughed,” Jackson added. “The grown-ups laughed. So what I loved is that we got the formal photo that we needed for history, I suppose. And then just came a really fun moment that resonated with people, everyone enjoying themselves.”

Reflecting on the session, Jackson noted the unpredictability of group shots involving children. After discussions with the royal couple’s former communications secretary, he secured approval to approach the portraits differently, resulting in this cherished image.