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  "path": "/royal/queen-elizabeth-ii-royal-family-photograph",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-18T10:01:45.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nArtist 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.\n\nThe images come from one of Levine's two portrait sittings with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nLevine'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\".\n\nThe newly revealed photographs capture a candid moment during the creation of that celebrated work.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nDuring 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.\n\nThe monarch responded with characteristic wit: \"One doesn't need a passport photo.\"\n\nLevine captured the moment immediately afterwards using a small handheld digital camera. \"I always liked it but never released it,\" he explained.\n\nThe Queen's quip referenced a constitutional quirk of the British monarchy.\n\nAccording 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.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nLevine's initial sitting with the Queen took place in 2003, producing his renowned image depicting her with eyes closed.\n\nThe artist had just completed a ten-day meditative silent retreat before arriving at the palace.\n\nThe Queen shared her own approach to contemplation: \"My meditation is my gardening at Balmoral.\"\n\nDuring a subsequent session, the pair discussed naming the first holographic royal portraits ever created.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTwo titles emerged: Lightness of Being for the eyes-open version and Equanimity for the closed-eyes portrait.\n\nWhen Equanimity was suggested, the Queen nodded enthusiastically and observed: \"It's appropriate things aren't always how they seem.\"\n\nLevine has since reflected: \"I often still wonder what she meant by that?\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nLevine 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.\n\nOn 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.\n\nKelly 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.\"\n\nLevine described the experience as \"a great honour\" into which he poured his \"heart and soul\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Queen Elizabeth II's witty response regarding not needing a passport photo revealed by artist"
}