The Royal Collection Trust (RCT) has taken on the care and preservation of an extensive photography archive chronicling the family life and travels of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, according to its recently published annual accounts. The collection comprises approximately 85,000 images, including photographs taken by the late monarch and her husband, as well as works by prominent photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Dorothy Wilding, Marcus Adams, and official aides.

Curatorial staff have so far processed over 5,000 photographs and made progress on identifying and rehousing vulnerable materials like transparencies and film negatives. Preservation efforts include preparing key items for environmental stabilization and transferring them to a specialized freezer unit designed to slow natural deterioration, thereby safeguarding the collection for future generations.

Among the notable images is a 1957 photograph of Prince Philip taken at a penguin rookery base in Antarctica by Lieutenant-Commander Michael, illustrating the range and historical significance of the archive.

The RCT’s accounts also reveal financial details for the fiscal year 2025-26, noting income of £85.3 million—down from £89.9 million the previous year. The decline in revenue was attributed to ongoing reservicing work at Buckingham Palace, which limited visitor numbers. Windsor Castle remains the largest income source, generating £28.2 million in admission fees during the same period.

Separately, the sovereign grant accounts released in June indicated that following the £369 million refurbishment of Buckingham Palace, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will continue to reside at Clarence House, their official London residence, rather than moving back to the palace.

The photographs form part of a broader assessment of items associated with the late Queen that have been added to the RCT’s holdings since the accession of King Charles III. This includes a recent acquisition of approximately 4,000 fashion items belonging to Elizabeth Parker, a long-serving aide to Prince Philip who traveled extensively with him.

While the photographic collection is under the trust’s care, it has not yet been formally incorporated into the Royal Collection, and no decisions have been made regarding its public display at this stage.