TL;DR
Royal photographs released to the press follow specific copyright and use rules. The Royal Communications team distributes official images with conditions covering reproduction, cropping and commercial reuse. Personal social media sharing is allowed.
Royal photographs released to the press follow specific copyright and use rules set by the Royal Household. The Royal Communications team distributes official images with conditions covering reproduction, cropping and commercial reuse, while personal social media sharing is generally permitted under the standard release conditions.
How official photographs are produced
Each official royal photograph is taken either by a Royal Household photographer or by a freelance photographer commissioned for the specific occasion. The photographer holds copyright unless it is assigned to the Royal Household.
Major commissioned photographers in recent years have included Hugo Burnand, who took official Coronation portraits in 2023, and Chris Jackson, who works with the Press Association on royal events.
How releases reach the press
Royal.uk and the Royal Communications team distribute official photographs through the Press Association. Each release includes a credit, a caption indicating the occasion, and a statement of the conditions of use.
Major UK newspapers, broadcasters and international wire agencies receive the same release at the same time under embargo where applicable. The Press Association handles the technical distribution.
Conditions on press use
Press use is permitted for editorial purposes for a defined period following the release. After the period, further use requires permission from the copyright holder. Cropping, recolouring and significant editing are not permitted without permission.
The Royal Household requires that the credit line is preserved. Use of the image to imply endorsement of a product, service or political position is not permitted under any circumstance.
Personal social media sharing
Personal social media sharing of royal photographs is normally permitted, provided the image is not edited and the credit is preserved. Commercial use, including the sale of prints or merchandise featuring the image, requires permission.
Photographs of royal children are subject to additional editorial standards under the Independent Press Standards Organisation's code. Media outlets should not publish images that intrude on royal children's privacy outside official engagements.
The Royal Collection Trust archive
The Royal Collection Trust archives photographs of senior royals for historic record. The Trust manages the royal photographic and art collection on behalf of the nation, with selected images available for licence.
Researchers and academics can request access to specific images through the Trust. The Royal Collection Trust website at rct.uk lists licensing terms and contact details.
Key facts
- Photographer holds copyright unless assigned.
- Press Association distributes most royal images.
- Cropping and editing require permission.
- Personal social media sharing generally allowed.
- Royal Collection Trust archives historic photographs.
FAQ
Who owns the copyright in royal photographs?
The photographer, unless copyright is assigned to the Royal Household. Each release notes the photographer credit and the conditions of use that apply.
Can I share royal photographs on social media?
Personal sharing is normally allowed, provided the image is not edited and the credit is preserved. Commercial use requires permission from the copyright holder.
How do media outlets get the photographs?
Through the Press Association, which distributes images released by the Royal Communications team. Each release includes a caption and conditions of use.
Where are historic royal photographs archived?
The Royal Collection Trust archives photographs and other items of historic record. Researchers can request access to specific images through the Trust at rct.uk.
