A Royal Photographer Explains How Princess Diana Always Made the Most of Her Royal Photo Ops
She had a signature move that guaranteed great pics.
- According to one royal photographer, Princess Diana was always one of the most interesting royals to photograph.
- During an interview with Us Weekly, royal photographer Tim Rooke explained that the late royal had a signature move that always guaranteed great photos at royal engagements.
- "She would always just turn before she went into the building, so she’d just look at you at the last second, and it always produced great pictures," he explained.
Princess Diana was, obviously, beloved. Not only did the public adore her, earning her the nickname "The People's Princess," but royal photographers were big fans as well.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly for an episode of Royally Us, royal photographer Tim Rooke explained just what it was about Diana that made her such a joy to photograph at royal events:
"Often, what we do can be very boring. It can be someone walking from a car into a doorway. … What the Princess of Wales used to do, she would always just turn before she went into the building, so she’d just look at you at the last second, and it always produced great pictures. I think I did a picture of her, it was on her 36th birthday, which sadly was her last birthday, and she went to the Tate Gallery and there was a reception. She just turned, just before she went in, and it made an absolutely great picture. Whereas now, the younger royals do it slightly differently. They tend to talk to the person that’s greeting them, which is, of course only polite, but of course, with her, it was great because you always knew you’d get a picture."
Rooke also took a second to reflect on Diana as a person and, unsurprisingly, he had nothing but glowing things to say about the late royal.
"She was a very warm person," he said. "She was great to photograph."
After Diana's tragic death in 1997, Rooke continued to photograph the royal family, particularly Prince Charles, who is apparently also pretty awesome at posing for the camera—but, clearly, in very different ways than Diana.
"I spent years photographing the Prince of Wales, particularly after Princess Diana died," Rooke said of the heir to the British throne. "He’s actually great for taking pictures with. He’ll put hats on and do all sorts of things."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Related Stories
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry "Unified" After the Death of Their Mother Princess Diana
"They were the only two people that knew what it felt like."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Demi Moore Puts a Twist on Method Dressing
She can’t stop wearing this spicy shade.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Is Sticking to Summer Nail Trends This Fall
The French manicure transcends seasons.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry "Unified" After the Death of Their Mother Princess Diana
"They were the only two people that knew what it felt like."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Princess Diana Had a "Very Naughty" Sense of Humor and Loved TV Show 'Dynasty'
"She always had plastic vomit or plastic dog poop in her bag to place on people’s seats."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Queen Elizabeth Once Called a Photographer "One Horrible Little Man"
"At that very moment, I wished there was a big hole I could disappear into."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Is Paying Tribute to His Late Mother Princess Diana With Solo New York Trip
The Duke of Sussex is ensuring Diana's legacy continues.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Couldn't Stand" Queen Camilla, But They've "Bonded" After 2024's Devastating Events
"They have become closer and have bonded over their spouses coping with cancer treatment."
By Amy Mackelden Published