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The Enchanting Portraits and Early Days of Princess Elizabeth: Young Princess in the Buckingham Palace Guide Company

May 29, 2025Culture1402
The Enchanting Portraits and Early Days of Princess Elizabeth: Young P

The Enchanting Portraits and Early Days of Princess Elizabeth: Young Princess in the Buckingham Palace Guide Company

Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, was not just the embodiment of tradition and royalty but also a young girl growing up with the innocence and charm that many women of her generation experienced. One seldom-seen aspect of her life is her involvement with the Buckingham Palace Guide Company. Not only were these early years rife with activities but the portraits of Princess Elizabeth from this period are incredibly charming, showcasing a different side of her personality.

Portraits of Young Princess Elizabeth

Portrait by Yousuf Karsh
One portrait that stands out is the 17-year-old Princess Elizabeth, taken by renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh. Karsh, known for his stark black and white portraits, perfectly captures the essence of the young princess's personality. This image, taken in 1938, is not just a snapshot of a young woman but a historical artifact that beautifully captures her charm and personality.

The photograph is particularly notable because it was taken by one of Karsh's less commonly used color film techniques. Despite the rarity of his color work, Karsh's ability to infuse his subjects with warmth and character through his lens is evident here. The image, while not in color, retains a timeless quality that makes it both rare and captivating.

The Buckingham Palace Guide Company

Another aspect of Princess Elizabeth's formative years is her involvement with the Buckingham Palace Guide Company. This guide company was established in 1937 and consisted of 20 Girl Guides and 14 Brownies, all drawn from the children of the royal household and its employees. Princess Elizabeth herself was registered as a Guide, while her younger sister, Princess Margaret, was registered as a Brownie.

The summerhouse in Buckingham's garden served as the Company's headquarters, a place where the princesses and other members would practice essential skills such as pitching tents, cooking on campfires, learning first aid, and earning challenge badges. These activities provided a practical and educational environment where the future Queen took part in the same activities as other young women her age.

Princess Elizabeth in Action

One of the rare photographs captures Princess Elizabeth partaking in a drill of the Buckingham Palace Guide Company. The image, Princess Elizabeth on the far right, from 1942, shows her participating in the guide training. This picture not only exemplifies the camaraderie and shared experiences of the members but also offers a glimpse into the life of a young royal with a sense of responsibility and duty.

Impact on Public Perception

The involvement of Princess Elizabeth and her sister in the Buckingham Palace Guide Company had a significant impact on public perception. It portrayed them as ordinary members of a community, involved in practical activities outside of their royal roles. This contrasted with the formal and distant image often associated with the royal family, making her more relatable and human to the public.

Conclusion

The rare portraits and photos of Princess Elizabeth in her younger years offer a glimpse into the unique life she led before becoming Queen. From her stunning portrait by Yousuf Karsh to her participation in the Buckingham Palace Guide Company, these images represent a different side of Princess Elizabeth, revealing her as a young woman with a sense of adventure and duty.

Through these rare images, we can better understand the person behind the title and the emotions that shaped her character. As such, they are not just historical artifacts but reminders of a shared humanity within the realm of royalty.