Islanders will be given a first-hand glimpse behind the Royal lens next week when the King’s official photographer, Hugo Burnand, appears at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in Cowes.
Hugo, who photographed the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will speak at 2 Seabourn-sponsored events during the literary festival, held at Northwood House.
His first talk, Crowns, Cameras and Coronations – The Day Britain Changed Reigns, will take place on Friday 9th October at 12:30.
Hugo will open his diary and take the audience behind the scenes of the Coronation of King Charles III, sharing stories from one of the most significant Royal occasions of recent years.
He will return to Northwood House on Sunday 11th October at 12:00 for an interactive question-and-answer session, with audience questions appearing on screen in a game-show style format.
Hugo has said:
“Those coming to the talks can expect memorable characters, unexpected twists and maybe, just maybe, a Royal revelation – but no promises there!
“However, you can definitely anticipate a few tales that couldn’t be told by anyone else.”
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Away from the Palace, Hugo will also share stories, highlights and mishaps from a career that has taken him from major Royal occasions to some of the world’s most celebrated portrait commissions.
The talks are not intended as technical photography masterclasses, but instead will focus on the stories behind the images and the people Hugo has encountered throughout his career.
He will also explore the influence of previous monarchs, the tradition of Royal portraiture and the role that luck can play in producing a memorable photograph.
Hugo is one of several guests with Royal connections appearing at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival, which runs in Cowes from Thursday (8th October) until Sunday (11th October).
Royal broadcaster and journalist Robert Hardman will discuss his new book, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, while journalist and biographer Penny Junor will speak about her latest book, Queen Consort, in a conversation with Val Hudson.
Former Royal butler Grant Harrold will explore Royal etiquette during the Seabourn Ruby Afternoon Tea, while author Alison Weir will look further back into Royal history as she discusses her latest novel, The Boleyn Secret.
Tickets for these events and others at the festival are available from www.iwlitfest.com.
