Queen Elizabeth once delivered a hilarious six-word retort that revealed a glimpse of her true personality, an artist has disclosed. Chris Levine, the photographer responsible for some of the most iconic portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, has shared details of how he was “positioning” the late monarch while capturing her with a 3D laser scan.
Commissioned by Jersey Heritage in 2004, Chris was given the task of producing a portrait to mark Jersey’s 800-year allegiance to the Crown. The completed photograph, Equanimity, was later presented to the National Portrait Gallery.
A second image, the holographic Lightness of Being, was a variation that Chris started using in 2008, and it would become one of the most enduring portraits of Queen Elizabeth, who would have marked her 100th birthday on April 21.
Sitting for the portraits didn’t appear to dampen the late Queen’s mood, however.
In fact, she even offered an amusing six-word response to Chris’s assistant, Nina Duncan, after the process was likened to that of a “passport photo”. Her comment came to light after Chris shared new images of the Queen with The Mail.
He said: “When I was positioning the Queen to have her 3D laser scan taken, my assistant, Nina Duncan, said, ‘It’s a bit like having your passport photo taken, Your Majesty’.”
“Ma’am replied with a smile, ‘One doesn’t need a passport photo’. I took the head-on picture just after that moment’.”
He added: “I captured the moment with a small digital, hand-held camera. I always liked it but never released it.”
As the former Sovereign, Elizabeth, who sadly passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, had no requirement for a passport during her reign, according to the Royal Family website – a privilege that equally applies to King Charles today.
It reads: “When travelling overseas, the Sovereign does not require a British passport. As a British passport is issued in the name of His Majesty, it is unnecessary for The King to possess one.
“All other Members of the Royal Family, including The Queen and The Prince of Wales, have passports.”
In other news, Elizabeth is set to be commemorated with a limited-edition collector’s teddy bear crafted in her likeness, as part of festivities marking her 100th birthday next week.
Steiff’s Queen Elizabeth II Bear, crafted from mohair, is accessorised with a jewelled brooch and hat. Dressed in a classic lime-green ensemble associated with Elizabeth, it also features a handbag and a pearl necklace.
Each bear is individually numbered and comes in a souvenir bag with a certificate of authenticity, while embroidery on the soles of its feet marks the late monarch’s 100th birthday.
Charles is expected to lead the tributes next week, with the King addressing the nation and celebrating his mother’s life. He and Queen Camilla will also hold a reception for representatives from organisations and charities associated with the late Queen. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/i-took-photos-late-queen-37036071
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