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Succession

Death of a Queen. Coronation of a King.

On 8th September 2022, I was packing my bags to head to London, to photograph a weekend of climate protest. The TV news was on in the background as I packed. It was being reported that the Queen was unwell, though details were sketchy. As the afternoon went on, it became clear that it was more serious than an autumn cold. At some point, the afternoon newsreader gave way and the BBC’s senior presenter Huw Edwards appeared. He was wearing a black tie. Then, at around 6:30pm, he said the words: “A few moments ago, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” 

The protests were sharply called off. But my bags were packed, so I went to London. At 9am the following morning I was standing outside the gates of Buckingham Palace. The rest of the world was there too. 

These pictures are just a few of those I made over five days following the death. More are here.



Death of the Queen


Scenes in London immediately following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Morning of 9th September on the Tube
Windows of Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
Outside Buckingham Palace, early morning
The Hyde Park Corner underpass
Queen Elizabeth’s hearse approaches the Palace
A young boy among the mourning crowds
Preparations at Wellington Barracks
Crowds fill the Mall outside Buckingham Palace
The old guard and the new, City of London
Evening Standard stand near Leicester Square
A woman reads tributes outside the Palace
Volunteers lay thousands of flowers in Royal parks



Coronation


The Coronation of King Charles III in London and celebrations around the capital

Police motorbikes ready for the big day
The Mall lined with flags of the ‘Commonwealth’
A royal fan books her place early on the Mall
A Coronation street party in Chelsea
Newly-coronated King Charles in his carriage
The royal children
A fan with his own crown, Whitehall
Entertainers at a street party in Chelsea
Anti-royal protesters picket the procession





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