LASERS REVEAL QUEEN’S INNER LIGHT

Three years after Elizabeth II’s death, the artist Chris Levine reflects on how he created his famous portrait of the monarch – and the bond they built at Buckingham Palace

Eyes tightly closed and radiating calm and tranquillity, Queen Elizabeth II takes a rare moment to switch off and be alone with her thoughts.

This groundbreaking image, captured at Buckingham Palace more than 20 years ago, has become one of the most compelling ever taken of the late monarch, who agreed to be scanned by lasers to achieve the striking effect.

Now, three years after her death, the artist who created the photo – Lightness of Being – reveals how it came about almost by accident, and shares behind-the-scenes details of his sittings with her.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Levine also describes the special bond that developed between the artist and his subject, and how their encounters ultimately changed his career path and his life.

“This shot was actually an out-take,” says Chris, who was commissioned by Jersey Heritage to take a portrait of the monarch to commemorate the 800th anniversary, in 2004, of the island’s breaking away from France and pledging allegiance to the Crown.