rule britannia

Mike has not only photographed the Queen on numerous occasions, he has also met her formally on many world tours. But the greatest moment of all was in 2005 for the investiture of his OBE…

What’s your favourite memory of photographing the Queen?

I think the Derby at Epsom, when she was jumping in the air because her horse was out on its own [right]. It will never happen again. Have you ever been able to mention that to her?

No, never. When the Queen presented me with an OBE at the Palace, you only get 30 seconds with a member of the Royal Family. She said: “It’s unusual being on this side of the camera, isn’t it?” I said: “It is Ma’am.” She started talking about Britannia, and I had some of my happiest moments with her on Britannia, in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, although I never stayed on it. She started reminiscing, and the next thing I know I’m into two and a half minutes with the Queen instead of 30 seconds. She said: “You know, I do miss it, so much.” I said, “Ma’am, not as much as I miss it.”