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Modern Monarchy: The British Royal Family Today
Photographer Chris Jackson has been by the Royal family's side on domestic visits and overseas tours for the past fifteen years, resulting in an unparalleled photographic archive of the evolving British Royal family. Occupying a front-row seat to history, Jackson's assignments have taken him to the four corners of the Earth to document the extraordinary breadth and devotion of the Royals to causes such as cancer research, mental health, and HIV awareness in Africa.
In his own words in captions and texts, he reveals the magic as well as the logistics of what it's like to photograph the Royal family. The result is this unique collection of photographs of the modern British Royal Family the archive of this multi-award winning Royal Photographer and current Royal Photographer of the Year.
From the modern-day fairy tale of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding to the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte and their soon-to-be new sibling to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's historic marriage to countless Royal tours in between, this book presents the British Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth II, its most enduring icon, through the lens of one of its most trusted photographers. Whether it's Prince George's first day of school, the Duchess of Cambridge playing cricket in Mumbai, or the Invictus Games, Jackson records moments both large and small with a warmth and sincerity that has made him a media standout. Organized by theme, from State Occasions to Charity works to a typical year in the Royal Diary, this book celebrates fifteen years of the Royals in intimate portraits of a singular family's role on the world stage at a unique moment in time.
In his own words in captions and texts, he reveals the magic as well as the logistics of what it's like to photograph the Royal family. The result is this unique collection of photographs of the modern British Royal Family the archive of this multi-award winning Royal Photographer and current Royal Photographer of the Year.
From the modern-day fairy tale of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding to the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte and their soon-to-be new sibling to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's historic marriage to countless Royal tours in between, this book presents the British Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth II, its most enduring icon, through the lens of one of its most trusted photographers. Whether it's Prince George's first day of school, the Duchess of Cambridge playing cricket in Mumbai, or the Invictus Games, Jackson records moments both large and small with a warmth and sincerity that has made him a media standout. Organized by theme, from State Occasions to Charity works to a typical year in the Royal Diary, this book celebrates fifteen years of the Royals in intimate portraits of a singular family's role on the world stage at a unique moment in time.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2018
4 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Chris Jackson
102 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 18, 2022
The World. Great Britain and Ireland. Present Day. Chris Jackson’s Modern Monarchy, The British Royal Family Today, showcases Mr Jackson’s, the Getty Images Royal Photographer, work for the past fifteen years during which he has worked for Getty Images. Voted Royal Photographer of the Year by the UK Picture Editors Guild in 2010, 2015, and 2016, Mr. Jackson’s photographs of the British Royal Family continually ‘land’ on the front pages of newspapers and magazines worldwide. He has travelled to many foreign countries while touring with members of the BRF and when not ‘touring’, Mr. Jackson has taken official portraits of the younger royals as well as taken photographs of their charity work while also ‘snapping’ them as they interact with with the people of all ages who have come to see them. Chris (Jackson) has gotten to know these royals in a much more informal way than any royal photographer before him. The BRF trust Chris, and this pops out of his photos for all to see.
The Royal Photographic Society which, I believe, has HRH The Duchess of Cambridge as its patron, writes the foreword, and Chris Jackson writes the text for his brilliant photography. This coffee table book of an insider’s view of BRF today in photographs is truly special. 4.5 stars.
The Royal Photographic Society which, I believe, has HRH The Duchess of Cambridge as its patron, writes the foreword, and Chris Jackson writes the text for his brilliant photography. This coffee table book of an insider’s view of BRF today in photographs is truly special. 4.5 stars.
December 20, 2018
An interesting look at the British Royal Family of today. For anyone who believes the role of the royal family is diminishing, you could not be further from the truth.
They are still the face of Great Britain and are often seen representing the country at sporting events, horse races & polo matches, in the military, at charity events, and more!
This book is full of photographs that well-illustrate the various roles where members of the royal family serve.
Brilliant!
They are still the face of Great Britain and are often seen representing the country at sporting events, horse races & polo matches, in the military, at charity events, and more!
This book is full of photographs that well-illustrate the various roles where members of the royal family serve.
Brilliant!
December 5, 2018
This is a gorgeous coffee table book filled with images by my favorite royal photographer, Chris Jackson. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tidbits and closeups of things I'd never noticed (like Prince Charles patches his shoes!). A perfect gift for any royal fan!
December 20, 2021
Splendid book with in-depth descriptions on each image. Chris Jackson is a wonderful photographer and it's been amazing to see his work develop as he's photographed the royal family for over a decade.
August 2, 2019
I'll admit, I'm a fan of the British royals. To be fair, I'm also a fan of the Spanish royals too. I'm not exclusive. In my defense, I'm not so much a fan of the individuals themselves but, rather, their history. It's almost like looking at a living museum. It fascinates me that the antiquated idea of a king has survived into our contemporary world. And the fact that they can trace their families back centuries and have survived the fall of kingdoms in other countries.
From a rhetorical sense, it's also fascinating to see how the existing royal families legitimize their very existence. Very few European kings and queens have little political power; they're mostly figure heads. The British royal family seems to have gone the route of using their fame to highlight causes (the charitable route) while other families see themselves as figure heads of history and tradition.
This book was interesting in that it looked at several facets of the British Royal family. The photographer tries to balance the posed, "approved" pictures with more candid moments. It's clear he's a royal apologist, but having spent as much time with them as he has, it makes sense. There's an attempt to make them relatable as well and to that end, I struggle. I'm sure there's a lot of conflicts and difficulties with being a royal. I just don't know how much I sympathize with that argument. All in all, if you enjoy the Royal Windsor family and photographs, then give this book a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
From a rhetorical sense, it's also fascinating to see how the existing royal families legitimize their very existence. Very few European kings and queens have little political power; they're mostly figure heads. The British royal family seems to have gone the route of using their fame to highlight causes (the charitable route) while other families see themselves as figure heads of history and tradition.
This book was interesting in that it looked at several facets of the British Royal family. The photographer tries to balance the posed, "approved" pictures with more candid moments. It's clear he's a royal apologist, but having spent as much time with them as he has, it makes sense. There's an attempt to make them relatable as well and to that end, I struggle. I'm sure there's a lot of conflicts and difficulties with being a royal. I just don't know how much I sympathize with that argument. All in all, if you enjoy the Royal Windsor family and photographs, then give this book a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
October 18, 2018
Gorgeous book by Getty photographer Chris Jackson, documenting the last ten or so years of the British Royal Family. My only quibble is that I’d like to have seen each photograph dated, for reference sake.
May 29, 2020
This was such a great collection of high quality photos and commentary into the lives of the royal family. Chris Jackson clearly knows how to do his job and do it well, and he seems to have remained objective and polite throughout his career.
I love all of Queen Elizabeth’s colorful outfits. She’s a treasure, and I think this book respectfully represents a photographic version of her and the other members of the royal family in their elements, with clear and interesting photos from their various sports and travels and charities.
Officially a fan of Chris Jackson’s work!
I love all of Queen Elizabeth’s colorful outfits. She’s a treasure, and I think this book respectfully represents a photographic version of her and the other members of the royal family in their elements, with clear and interesting photos from their various sports and travels and charities.
Officially a fan of Chris Jackson’s work!
May 9, 2021
Purchased for an avid viewer of The Crown. A wonderful little coffee table book depicting candid moments and formal appearances by the British Royal family. Since it was published in 2018, I expect that it will soon be outdated, but it is a great intro to the main Royals and their various passion projects. I really enjoyed the attention to fashion and jewelry in particular. I only wish the book was longer!
November 1, 2018
Modern Monarchy is a stunning book which documents photos from big state occasions and overseas tours, Royal weddings and first days at school.
We can talk long about the book, but there’s no need to.. This book so beautiful , it is a must have if you are fan of the British Royal Family and seen through the Camera of Chris Jackson.
We can talk long about the book, but there’s no need to.. This book so beautiful , it is a must have if you are fan of the British Royal Family and seen through the Camera of Chris Jackson.
December 2, 2019
This is a beautiful book, filled with many gorgeous photos of the modern royal family over the last two decades! My only (minor) complaint is that the year the photo was taken is often not included in the captions, but overall, a beautiful collection of photos for fans of the British Royal Family!!
February 19, 2019
This is a neat book.
April 5, 2019
Beautiful pictures and the text was personal and interesting. If you like the British Royal family this is a must read.
May 22, 2019
An amazing intimate look at the royal family with breathtaking images!
September 3, 2019
Even though this is a bigger book it is all photographs so it is a quick look thru. I could look at their pictures all the time. It is fun to see their different fashions and what they are doing.
January 9, 2020
Super fun, great photos, solid commentary.
April 22, 2024
Lovely
July 23, 2021
Gorgeous pictures, fun to look through.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews