Prince William’s brand-new portrait just made me do a double take.
This week, the Prince of Wales, 42, paid a visit to Mental Health Innovations (or “MHI”) where he congratulated the charity on the success of Shout, which is a 24-hour text messaging service offering mental health support services. While learning more about their initiatives, Prince William posed for a striking portrait that caught my attention because it low-key resembles an optical illusion.
In the photo, Prince William is having a conversation with someone who’s not pictured. The pic was taken from below, with the lens facing up toward Prince William and the ceiling.
As a result, the photographer also captured a halo-like light fixture above the royal’s head. It took my eyes a minute to understand that the light was much farther away and not lingering over his head like a ring light.
This isn’t the first time that a royal portrait has doubled as an optical illusion. In December 2024, King Charles attended an Advent service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. Photographers captured a snap of the king that made me do a double take because the background cast an eerie glow around the monarch.
In the pic, the royal is looking ahead with a small smile as he walks in his full winter attire. Meanwhile, a few rays of sunlight are cast behind him, creating a busy background that’s partially in focus and partially blurred.
My eyes need a break after this one.
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