The photographer discussed life working with the royals
Royal photographer Chris Jackson shared his insight into the Royal Family and how King Charles and Princess Kate “bounced back from incredibly difficult times”.
Mr Jackson, who has been snapping photos of the royals for some 20 years, spoke to Alan Titchmarsh on ITV’s Love Your Weekend.
Referring to how the King and Kate dealt with their cancer diagnosis and Charles’s transition to head of state, the photographer said: “There have been challenges, I think that transition was sort of a challenging period.
“Seeing how the King and Princess Catharine have bounced back from those incredibly difficult times has been incredible, and I mean even keeping up with the King today is very hard – he is working left, right and centre at so many different engagements.”
The photographer shared how well King Charles and Princess Kate ‘bounced back’ following difficult times| GETTY
Discussing his work with the royals, Mr Jackson explained how he feels incredibly “lucky” to have been in his role for such a long time.
He told Mr Titchmarsh: “I’ve been doing the job for over 20 years now, coming up to 23 years now with Getty Images – I am lucky, it is a huge privilege to do this job.
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world with the royal family, with the King and the Queen.
“It’s time, really, that helps you in this role, build up a sort of knowledge of the nuances.”
Chris Jackson spoke to Alan Titchmarsh on Love Your Weekend | INSTAGRAM / CHRISJACKSONGETTY
The pair talked about the incredible moments the photographer has experienced, including being behind Charles and Camilla when they stepped out as the new King and Queen.
“That was an incredible moment to be lucky enough to photograph the King and the Queen for the last 20 years and to be there for that moment,” Mr Jackson explained.
He continued: “I will never forget the cheers of the crowd, and I was really conscious of not getting in the picture for some of my colleagues at the Queen Victoria memorial.
“There is another great moment when the red arrows whizz overhead so that was quite a lower perspective – you know, it was a huge privilege to be there – I suppose that is the epitome of front-row seats.”
Mr Jackson said he ‘will never forget the cheers of the crowd’ when Charles and Camilla stepped out| GETTY
When discussing the moments that are not structured, such as Prince William playing volleyball, Mr Jackson said: “I think that is one of the most wonderful things with photographing the royal family, you can’t necessarily control what is going on in front of you.
“For me, I love that because, of course, controlling a portrait is one thing and that’s lovely, but that anticipation of not knowing what you are gonna get next.”
He explained the impact the Royal Family has on people and what he notices during their tours.
Mr Jackson said: “Seeing the reaction the royal family has around the world, seeing the crowds on a walkabout, seeing the excitement people have.
Some of Mr Jackson’s favourite moments are the unscripted ones| GETTY
“I remember the King’s first visit as King to Germany and seeing the crowd gathered in Hamburg, and everyone wanted to meet him.”
For this month, the photographer stated: “It is a very special time for the Royal Family”.
He added: “I remember in past years, it’s all about coming together, it’s all about giving back.”
Mr Jackson was on the show to promote his upcoming book “Modern Majesty”, which comes out in March next year.
