Some of the display’s visuals are too sensitive to be left up all the time.
With great pleasure, Buckingham Palace announces the release of an astounding array of never-before-seen images from the royal archives.
The unique exhibition “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” at The King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace is scheduled to debut on May 17 and will highlight the development of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present. More than 150 one-of-a-kind pieces from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives will be on show, with many of these old prints appearing for the first time. A unique look into the creative processes behind these historical photos is provided by the show, which also features unseen proofs and archival correspondence.
A poignant 1964 portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Princess Alexandra, and the then-Duchess of Kent holding their babies is one of the most notable items. This heartwarming photo was taken by Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, as a special thank-you to royal obstetrician Sir John Peel, who assisted in the delivery of all four babies in less than two months. Princess Margaret is holding her daughter Lady Sarah tenderly while Queen Elizabeth is grinning at the camera and holding Prince Edward, the youngest of her four children.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
Images of Queen Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, taken during World War II make up another moving section of the display. Cecil Beaton captured these pictures with the intention of bringing stability and hope during tumultuous times. Notable images of the royal couple taken in 1940 at Buckingham Palace include a dramatic view of them assessing bomb damage and a sweet family photo taken in 1943 at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which shows Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as little children gathered around their father’s desk.
Snowdon, the Royal Collection Trust, and Camera Press
The thrill and exclusivity of this event is further enhanced by the fact that the Royal Collection Trust emphasizes that these vintage photos cannot be permanently shown due to conservation needs. The display covers an amazing range of historical periods, including the first color image of a member of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation portrait, the Queen’s sparkling painting by Andy Warhol from 1985, and even Kate Middleton’s arresting 40th birthday shot.
It’s interesting to note that Kate’s milestone birthday portrait will be on display next to a portrait of Princess Alexandra from 1864, which it looks a lot like.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
The audio guide for this fascinating exhibit, which is narrated by the adored Dame Joanna Lumley, includes commentary from well-known photographers Rankin and John Swannell. Hugo Burnand has also contributed to the guide; he has a long-standing professional relationship with King Charles and Queen Camilla, having taken their formal coronation photographs in May 2023.
Paolo Reversi/Royal Collection Trust Photographer
Exhibiting photographs by renowned photographers including David Bailey, Annie Leibovitz, Polly Borland, and Dorothy Wilding, this show is sure to thrill royal photography enthusiasts.
Remember to put dates in your calendars! The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will unveil “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” on May 17. This is a unique chance to experience history unfold before your eyes as a unique collection of royal moments are captured via the skill of photography.
Charles III, His Majesty, Royal Collection Trust, 2024
Elon Musk’s Robot Kiss: A PR Stunt or a Glimpse into the Future of Technology
Elon Musk, renowned for his pioneering work in electric vehicles and space exploration, has recently made headlines for his interactions with humanoid robots. His social media posts featuring him kissing these robots have left many people puzzled and wondering about the future of human-robot relationships. Some are even speculating about a potential robot wife that Musk has hinted at.
The images, originally taken by artist Pablo Guerrero, have recently gone viral after Twitter user Daniel Marven shared them online. The pictures show Elon Musk engaging in intimate interactions with four different female robots, and their release has coincided with the debut of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, taking its first steps. This has only added to the fascination surrounding the situation.
Although the images have caused a stir on social media, it’s crucial to bear in mind that things aren’t always as they seem. The circumstances surrounding these unusual photographs indicate that there may be more to the situation than initially meets the eye. It’s unclear whether these displays of affection are a genuine expression of romantic interest or part of a broader marketing or artistic initiative.
Mr. Marven wrote: ’It is the first robot that has been manufactured specifically designed with artificial intelligence, with the personality and the characteristics of the female that he dreams of…which is not found in any normal person, because of course, there is no normal person that has all the required specifications.”
According to him, ’Catnilla’ is a solar-powered robot that doesn’t require charging and is equipped with sensory capabilities that allow her to experience emotions such as happiness and sadness.
In response to the unique AI-generated portraits of Musk, Twitter users have been swift to offer their reactions, igniting a flurry of comical remarks and conjecture. One individual wittily remarked, “Well, well well… what have we here?”
During Tesla’s recent shareholders’ meeting, CEO Elon Musk shared an awe-inspiring video of the company’s Optimus robots in action, highlighting remarkable advancements made since the prototype’s debut at last year’s Tesla AI Day.
The footage showcases five Optimus robots walking and flexing their capabilities, including item retrieval, task completion, and the utilization of Tesla gadgets. The impressive demonstration serves as a testament to Tesla’s continued commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
As Elon Musk continues to push the envelope with his innovative ideas and technological advancements, the world is left wondering — was the robot kiss a mere publicity stunt or a sign of things to come? Whatever the answer may be, one thing is certain — the future is looking brighter than ever before.
Preview photo credit danielmarven / twitter
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