Royal wedding: Mario Testino on Prince William and Kate Middleton, remembering Princess Diana
The world has enjoyed the glowing first shots of engaged royal Prince William with bride-to-be Kate Middleton, and now the couple's famed photographer is talking about the experience.
Mario Testino chatted in Vogue's February issue (featuring cover girl Kristen Stewart) about the thoroughly modern couple, about relaxing them for the important portrait sitting and how he used similar bedside manner with William's mother, the late Princess Diana.
"I have photographed Prince William several times officially, but never Catherine Middleton," Testino said (we're swooning over his use of her proper name), "... two people in love have a glow and a presence more powerful than anything else, and I wanted that to be the subject of the picture, not what they were wearing."
Indeed, the clothes in question were sleek and soft, but the bodies occupying them should command more attention. To loosen up the mood at the shoot Testino brought along some music he'd used previously when photographing Diana -- tracks from French singer Dalida.
"The contrast of the contemporary informal music playing in the beautiful rooms with so much history caused a lot of laughter," he said of the St. James' Palace location.
"In my modest opinion, Prince William could not have found someone more suitable than Catherine, not just because of the energy they share with each other ... but because while she has already developed a perfect sense of royal responsibility, she brings life, a delightful sense of humor, and joy into the room when she walks in," Testino said.
Seems a rather lovely note of approval from a major player in the family's history, in fashion and beyond. What do you think of Testino's tale? Tell us in the comments section below.
RELATED:
Kate Middleton has a lunch date with the queen
Royal wedding: Prince William, Kate Middleton reveal modern details
Could Prince William's first-born daughter be first in line for the throne?
-- Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly
Photo: Prince William and Catherine "Kate" Middleton's official engagement portrait. Credit: Mario Testino
Thoroughly nice story.
So glad and refreshing to hear about such relatively lovely and normal events like this.
No drama required, no foot stomping diva demanding attention.
Just a young couple enjoying each other's company - and joyfully living out their lives. Good for them.
Posted by: Lorraine | Jan 22, 2011 at 06:34 PM
what, may i ask, does diana have to do with it? he's not marrying diana !
Posted by: joeprice | Jan 23, 2011 at 03:14 AM
Diana'a shadow will always be there with those boys, her ghost will always be right along with them.. and Charles and whats-her-name can't do a thing to stop it...
Posted by: Smokey | Jan 23, 2011 at 08:26 PM
What a beautiful choice the Prince has made. God Bless.
Posted by: Anne | Feb 14, 2011 at 08:55 PM
They are a beautiful couple. Princess Diana would be so proud. May they be a blessing to each other always.
Posted by: Gigi Brown | Apr 27, 2011 at 11:59 AM