There was something remarkably familiar about King Charles's latest portrait, even though it'd never been shared before. Something about the soft light illuminating the library at Balmoral Castle, the ease and comfort in the monarch's expression—it all reminded me of another royal. Kate Middleton, to be exact.
Or rather, her aesthetic.
Sure enough, the photo, which was taken this past fall at the royal family's holiday home in Aberdeenshire, Scotland—and shared on @theroyalfamily Instagram account on Saturday, Jan. 25—was taken by none other than the Princess of Wales's go-to photographer, Millie Pilkington. Pilkington is renowned for snapping the Princess's and Prince William's wedding portraits, and in the years since, she's captured several special moments for the couple, as well as for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
"I’m not sure you can ask for a bigger break than being asked to capture the private wedding photographs for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in April 2011. This was definitely a turning point in my career," Pilkington told The Gold Edition in 2023, describing the day as "surreal, magical and terrifying," and "the most incredible honor."
Pilkington strives to have her images contain "an honesty" to them, she told the publication, which is what makes it resonate—and reminded me so much of the authenticity that Middleton projects in her day-to-day life. (A photographer herself, Middleton's snaps often project a similar quality.)
Even in posed shots, she previsualizes the setting, so the lighting and backdrop are just right, then allows life to unfold. "I try to create a moment so I can capture something ‘real’ within the perfect setting," she explained.
That stands out in King Charles's latest portrait, which was shared on Instagram to celebrate Burns Night, a commemoration of the life and work of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. (He's probably best known for 'Auld Lang Syne.') The books behind the monarch echo the rich blue, green and red tones in his Tartan kilt—which happens to be the King Charles III Tartan, BTW—and the soft glow from the lamp echo the warmth of this tan blazer. Pilkington set the scene, then sought to capture the king as he is.
In the nearly 14 years since Kate and William's wedding, Pilkington has been entrusted to capture several important moments in the royal family's lives. From King Charles's announcement that he'd be returning to public-facing duties following cancer treatment to Prince Louis's fifth birthday photos, her work chronicles their milestones with a sense of grace, openness and authenticity.
Want further proof of the lightness and approachability her images contain? Look no further than this sweet snap of Prince William with his and Kate's children, shared to celebrate Father's Day in 2023:
It's no wonder Middleton—and several other royals—have turned to her time and again.
