While commonly associated with names like Lord Lichfield and Lord Snowdon for in-house royal photography, even the late Queen was known to carry a camera in her iconic handbag.
Author Phil Dampier disclosed in his 2007 book, "What’s In The Queen’s Handbag," that Queen Elizabeth II frequently used her camera to capture images of visiting dignitaries.
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, also published a book of his photographs in 1985, featuring an image of Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen Mother at the Castle of Mey as the Queen's Christmas card.
However, the recent controversy over the Mother's Day photo, edited by Prince William and his wife, exposes a growing tension regarding the level of control the royal family exercises over their imagery.
Not only are they bypassing professional photographers and picture agencies like Getty Images and Reuters, but amateur editing raises concerns about media accountability.
Photo director Eric Baradat from Agence France-Presse (AFP) criticized Kate's editing as "amateur," highlighting the challenge faced by agencies in verifying images for authenticity.
This issue of manipulated images extends to the wider media landscape, where trust in mainstream outlets is undermined by unverified or doctored visuals.
Former group picture editor Martin Keene emphasized the importance of truth and accuracy in every image distributed by agencies.
The incident involving the altered Mother's Day photo underlines the need for transparency and ethical standards in photography.
Furthermore, the royal family's preference for controlling their own images, especially when it comes to their children, has led to a shift away from traditional royal photographers being granted access for intimate family moments.
This shift has implications for maintaining the integrity of images released to the public.
As investigations continue into digitally enhanced royal photographs, such as Prince Archie's christening picture, issues of manipulation and credibility remain at the forefront.
The usage of professional photographers, free from allegations of bias, may offer a solution to restoring trust in royal imagery.
While royal photography has evolved over the years, with a mix of official and unofficial photographers capturing moments, the need for impartiality and authenticity remains paramount.
The practice of using personal or "pet" photographers raises concerns about misrepresentation and image manipulation, impacting public perception.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding altered royal images underscores the delicate balance between editorial control and ethical standards in photography.
As technology evolves, maintaining the integrity of visual storytelling is essential for upholding trust and credibility in the media.