Royal Photographer Reflects on Decades Working With King Charles in New Memoir
In his upcoming book, Arthur, the royal photographer, has lauded the King while revealing that they had a rocky beginning.
King Charles has completed four years as monarch, and his reign has been marked by both personal and professional challenges. From his decades as Prince of Wales to his ascension to the throne, one person who has witnessed it all is royal photographer Arthur Edwards. In his upcoming book, Cup of Tea, Arthur? Edwards lauds the King while candidly revealing that their relationship had a rocky beginning.
"I’ve had some storming rows with the King," Edwards revealed in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph while promoting his book. According to his recollections, in June 1976, Edwards captured a memorable photograph of Charles feeding a polo mint to his pony. That same year, the King hilariously noted that Edwards was actively searching for royal family members to photograph, often "crawling about in the undergrowth."
In 1977, Edwards inadvertently photographed the then-Prince's bald patch, provoking royal displeasure, though he described the monarch as a good-natured person who quickly recovered his cheerful demeanor. The photographer also highlighted an intense argument at Highgrove in 1980 where he shouted, "At least I’ve got a job!" at the future King, HELLO! reported.
Edwards admitted that he greatly admired the King despite their early ugly confrontations. "He’s very forgiving, you know… In those early days, my God, I was aggressive. He calls me Arthur, and I call him Sir. It’s a good arrangement. And that’s the way it will be until the day I die," he said.
He further described the monarch as an extraordinary, humble man who inspires him to keep working. He praised Charles' tireless dedication, hilariously comparing him to a "Duracell bunny," confessing that working with the King has transformed his life and made him a lifelong fan. "I’m a kid from East London who didn’t do too well at school, and he’s given me a great life. He’s a decent, decent man," he added.
Their bond grew over time. For Charles's 50th birthday, Edwards and friends gifted the monarch a paparazzi gnome, which now resides in the Highgrove gardens; the site of a party held specifically to view it. In a 2018 speech, King Charles praised Arthur as "a very good photographer, a jolly good bloke and a very special person." Over the years, Arthur annually sent photos to Queen Elizabeth II, which she included in her diaries during summer holidays at Balmoral. Edwards also spoke about the special relationship he shared with Princess Diana and how he is still fond of Sarah Ferguson, who, according to him, has been kind all these years.
