Artist Chris Levine has shared previously unreleased passport-style photographs from his sessions with Queen Elizabeth II, providing a glimpse of the late monarch just days before what would have been her centenary next Tuesday.
The images come from one of Levine’s two portrait sittings with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
Levine’s holographic portrait of the monarch, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, earned recognition from the National Portrait Gallery as “the most evocative image of a royal by any artist”.
The newly revealed photographs capture a candid moment during the creation of that celebrated work.
Queen Elizabeth II witty response on not needing a passport photo revealed by artist
During the sitting, Levine’s assistant, Nina Duncan, remarked to the Queen that the positioning for her 3D laser scan resembled having a passport photograph taken.
The monarch responded with characteristic wit: “One doesn’t need a passport photo.”
Levine captured the moment immediately afterwards using a small handheld digital camera. “I always liked it but never released it,” he explained.
The Queen’s quip referenced a constitutional quirk of the British monarchy.
According to the royal website, the Sovereign does not require a British passport when travelling abroad, as passports are issued in the monarch’s name, making it unnecessary for them to possess one.
The Queen’s quip referenced a constitutional quirk of the British monarchy.
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Levine’s initial sitting with the Queen took place in 2003, producing his renowned image depicting her with eyes closed.
The artist had just completed a ten-day meditative silent retreat before arriving at the palace.
The Queen shared her own approach to contemplation: “My meditation is my gardening at Balmoral.”
During a subsequent session, the pair discussed naming the first holographic royal portraits ever created.
Levine’s initial sitting with the Queen took place in 2003, producing his renowned image depicting her with eyes closed.
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Two titles emerged: Lightness of Being for the eyes-open version and Equanimity for the closed-eyes portrait.
When Equanimity was suggested, the Queen nodded enthusiastically and observed: “It’s appropriate things aren’t always how they seem.”
Levine has since reflected: “I often still wonder what she meant by that?”
Levine collaborated closely with Angela Kelly, the Queen’s dresser and confidante, throughout the process. Together they styled the monarch and selected the coronation diamond diadem for the portrait.
On the morning of the sitting, an aide telephoned to inform Levine that there had been an oversight in collecting the crown, questioning whether it was truly necessary. The artist insisted it was essential.
Kelly soon arrived at the Yellow Drawing Room, where the 3D camera was positioned, carrying the diadem. She relayed the Queen’s instruction: “If he wants the diadem, he shall have the diadem.”
Levine described the experience as “a great honour” into which he poured his “heart and soul”.