Prince Michael of Kent and the Echo of Royal History
I have had the honour of photographing Prince Michael of Kent on several occasions over the years. Portrait sittings such as these are precisely why I became a photographer—to capture not only a likeness, but a moment within history.
When working with members of historic institutions such as the British Royal Family, one becomes acutely aware that portraiture is not simply documentation; it is lineage made visible.
(Left) King George V after Bassano Ltd bromide postcard print, published circa 1936 ( 21 February 1931 (Right) George V (1865-1936). /Nking Of Great Britain 1910-1936. Photograph, C1915. Poster Print by Granger Collection
During our sitting I became fascinated by the striking resemblance His Royal Highness bears to earlier generations of the royal house. In particular, I noticed echoes of his great-grandfather, Edward VII, whose military portraits possess a similar commanding profile and dignified bearing.
While researching the lineage before the session, I revisited historic portraits of Edward VII and other members of the royal family. One profile portrait in particular inspired the direction of the sitting. I decided to create a similar composition—using a strong profile pose combined with decisive lighting to echo the character of Edwardian military portraiture while maintaining my own contemporary approach.
Royal Lineage
Prince Michael was born on 4 July 1942 at Coppins, Iver, Buckinghamshire during the Second World War.
He is the third child of Prince George, Duke of Kent, the younger brother of King George VI, and therefore a paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Michael is also a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary, placing him firmly within one of the most significant royal generations of the twentieth century.
At the time of his birth he was seventh in the line of succession to the British throne.
H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD London Royal Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis
Colonel of the King’s Royal Hussars
For the first portrait, His Royal Highness wore the uniform of the King’s Royal Hussars, of which he serves as Colonel.
The crimson background was chosen deliberately.
Red has long symbolised royalty and authority, but it also carries a regimental connection. The distinctive crimson stripe worn on the trousers of the regiment derives from a historic honour granted to the 11th Hussars.
When Prince Albert travelled from Dover to London for his wedding to Queen Victoria, the regiment formed part of his escort. Impressed by their bearing and discipline, Prince Albert granted them the privilege of wearing his personal livery—a distinction that continues today.
By echoing that crimson tone in the background of the portrait, the image subtly reinforces both royal and regimental heritage.
A More Intimate Portrait
For the second portrait, Prince Michael changed into his Household frock coat.
Here I opted for a black backdrop and stronger, directional lighting, using elements of chiaroscuro to create a portrait that felt more atmospheric and sculptural. Light and shadow reveal the texture of the uniform, the decorations, and the character of the sitter.
The aim was to create a portrait that felt timeless—less about ceremony and more about the quiet gravity of duty and service.
H.R.H Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD London Royal Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis