Royal Family photographer reflects on changes in the King Charles era

Chris Jackson's new book Modern Majesty collects previously unseen photographs that trace visual and procedural shifts from the late Elizabethan years through King Charles's accession, and Jackson notes increased formality and security on the King's outings.

Chris Jackson has published Modern Majesty, a photo book that brings together images from the late years of Queen Elizabeth II through King Charles's accession and early reign. The collection includes many pictures not widely published before and features Jackson's behind-the-scenes commentary on photographing the royal family. He describes moments from state visits, ceremonial occasions and quieter public interactions that together trace a change in how the family is presented. Jackson also reflects on how social media and news trends have altered which royal images gain attention. Key details: - The book is Jackson's fourth and includes previously unseen photographs spanning the second Elizabethan era into the King Charles era. - Jackson says that during King Charles's 2023 state visit to Germany his plane was escorted at high altitude by a German Eurofighter Typhoon, an experience he cites as illustrative of change. - Jackson notes increased formality and security at the King's public engagements, while saying Charles has remained committed and engaged despite health issues reported in 2025. - The book highlights candid moments, including a January 2025 image of the Princess of Wales arriving at the Royal Marsden Hospital and interacting with patients, after her 2024 cancer diagnosis and later announced remission in early 2025. - Jackson points out that some permissions changed under the new reign, for example photographers were allowed on an elevated Buckingham Palace balcony at the 2023 coronation, a placement not permitted during Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Summary: The book presents a visual record of evolving royal presentation and media dynamics, emphasizing both formal ceremonies and quieter, human moments. It documents reported health-related events for senior royals alongside shifts in access and staging for photographers. The account suggests changes in security, permissions, and the types of images that gain attention in the social-media era. Undetermined at this time.