HarperNonFiction bags photographic history of the royal family by Sun photographer Edwards

HarperNonFiction has bagged a photographic history of the royal family by the Sun’s royal photographer Arthur Edwards. 

Katya Shipster, publishing director, acquired world all language rights to Behind the Crown: My Life Photographing the Royal Family in a deal negotiated directly with the Sun newspaper. North American rights for the book were acquired by Lisa Sharkey, senior vice-president and director of creative development at Harper. Behind the Crown: My Life Photographing the Royal Family will be published in hardback and e-book on 10th November 2022 in the UK and on 29th November 2022 in the US. 

Edwards has been the Sun’s royal photographer since 1975; the longest serving of any newspaper. He has had unique access to the royal family throughout that time and has photographed King Charles III for 50 years.  

Edwards was originally from the east end of London and was evacuated to Devon during the Second World War. When he was 16 his mother bought him a camera, and after leaving school he worked in a film-processing darkroom before joining the Sun in 1975. He went on to take some of the most iconic photographs of the most famous family in the world, undertaking his first royal tour in 1977.  

The publisher said: “With commensurate skill and unprecedented access, he has captured the candid moments when protocol is put aside, revealing the true personalities behind the Crown. This beautiful book is a treasure trove of glorious photography, along with Arthur’s own warm recollections of the stories behind his iconic shots. It is the perfect glimpse behind the scenes of the past 50 years of the British monarchy, from a truly unique perspective.” 

The chapters cover The Queen, Charles (the early years), The Duke of Edinburgh, Diana, Harry and William, William and Kate, Harry and Meghan, and Charles (the later years). Edwards was the one photographer to meet King Charles III’s flight from Balmoral at RAF Northolt following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the book includes his coverage of the late Queen’s state funeral. 

Edwards said: “It’s been such a privilege being able to photograph the royal family for more than 45 years. In particular King Charles III, who has done more for me over those years than I could ever have done for him. He is a visionary. Every time I go to photograph him and his lovely wife is as exciting as the first time I ever photographed him. He is already proving to be a great monarch. I’m so pleased to be working with HarperCollins on Behind the Crown. It’s a wonderful collection of my favourite pictures of all the members of the royal family over the years. I hope people enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed taking these pictures.” 

Shipster added: “It’s been such an honour to work closely with Arthur on creating this beautiful book – and to be able to collect, curate and showcase his incredible life’s work in this way. He always has unprecedented access due to his close relationship with the royal family, which has been fostered over his long years of service, and is reflected in the informality and warmth of his wonderful shots. It really is the perfect Christmas gift.”