At the far end of a long corridor a very small figure, possibly wearing a crinoline, is approaching. An equerry or lady-in-waiting appears to check that all is well, retires, and soon the page announces the imminent arrival of the sitter. I bring a number of extra props in case they are needed, but I try to avoid delays and to make the sitting as informal and relaxing as possible. The sitting usually involves a number of people – the Palace electrician, my own electricians and assistants, the superintendent who produces a screen and some red velvet curtains, the gardener who manages to provide some carnations or gladioli splayed out in a cut glass vase. Kings and Queens are not in the habit of visiting a photographer in his studio, and so he has set up his paraphernalia and lights in one of the rooms in the Palace. Wherever we went in the Palace, Blue Drawing Room, Yellow Drawing Room, Circular Music Room, Throne Room, the scene was dominated by the enchanting almost fairy-story figure in her sparkles and spangles. The sun even came out and poured down through the tall windows, giving extra sparkle to the gilded carving and the glitter of diamonds. Or, if I wished, my camera could utilise the felicitous glimpses of the long corridors with their tall windows hung with crimson silk, through which could be heard the click of bayonets and rasping voices during the changing of the guard. To help me in my task I found I had every facility that the Palace could offer: the various State Apartments, with their groups of marble columns, ornate ceiling switch garlands of fruit and flowers, rows of crystal chandeliers illuminating the acres of Savonnerie carpet below, gave me wonderful opportunities for “conversation piece” backgrounds.

Queen elizabeth ii by cecil beaton