The 1968 Sitting

In the summer of 1968 Beaton photographed the Queen in anticipation of his forthcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. The portraits were a triumph. They were the last photographs Beaton made of Elizabeth II, although he continued to photograph other members of the family until 1979.

  • The 1968 Sitting - Queen Elizabeth II

    Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, Buckingham Palace, 1968, Museum no. PH.1963-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    Buckingham Palace
    1968
    Museum no. PH.1963-1987

    Beaton's assistant, Geoffrey Sawyer, suggested some photographs be taken outside. Beaton noted in his diary: 'The electricians were installed with enough equipment to light an entire film unit. I gave instructions for alternative 'sets' in case the initial scene did not materialise and Geoff suggested the balcony might be good. I found a splendid Acropolis-like corner with three columns.'

  • The 1968 Sitting - Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign of the Order of the Garter

    Queen Elizabeth II in the robes of Sovereign of the Order of the Garter by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, Music Room, Buckingham Palace, 1968, Museum no. PH.1893-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II in the robes of Sovereign of the Order of the Garter
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    Music Room, Buckingham Palace
    1968
    Museum no. PH.1893-1987

    The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in 1348. It is the most senior British order of chivalry. The Queen wears the robes of the Sovereign of the Order: the blue riband (or sash) and the dark blue velvet mantle, on which is pinned the Garter Star. The star comprises the St George's Cross within the Garter, surrounded by radiating silver beams. St George is the patron saint of the Order.

  • The 1968 Sitting - Queen Elizabeth II, White Drawing Room

    Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, White Drawing Room, Buckingham Palace, 1968, Museum no. PH.1925-1987

    Queen Elizabeth II
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    White Drawing Room, Buckingham Palace
    1968
    Museum no. PH.1925-1987

    For photographs in the White Drawing Room, the Queen wore a turquoise silk sleeveless shift dress with silver floral embroidery designed by Hardy Amies. Daylight streamed through the windows and Beaton was elated: 'The sun was now shining for the rest of the afternoon and I bade the many assistants bring in our background from the dark cavern and rely on God's glorious daylight. Everywhere were sparkling possibilities.'

  • The 1968 Sitting - Queen Elizabeth II wearing an Admiral's Boat Cloak

    Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton, Gelatin silver print, Buckingham Palace, 1968, Museum no. E.1370-2010

    Queen Elizabeth II
    Cecil Beaton
    Gelatin silver print
    Buckingham Palace
    1968
    Museum no. E.1370-2010

    Beaton discussed plans in advance of the sitting with Martin Charteris, the Queen's Private Secretary. Charteris wrote to the Queen: 'Cecil is anxious to do something different and wondered if Your Majesty would pose for him in a simple dress or the Boat Cloak?' This contact sheet shows the Queen wearing an Admiral's Boat Cloak of dark serge fabric, slightly adjusting her pose in each shot.

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