Anwar Hussein, a celebrated photographer who significantly altered the public’s view of the British royal family, has passed away at the age of 85. Hussein was renowned for portraying the royals in a relatable manner, with his legacy closely associated with the image of Diana, Princess of Wales. However, his contributions to photography extended far beyond that impressive connection.
Originally hailing from present-day Tanzania, Hussein embarked on his professional journey in the UK during the late 1960s. His exceptional talent quickly attracted attention, earning him commissions to photograph several legendary figures from the 70s music scene, such as Marc Bolan, Elton John, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Freddie Mercury. Yet, in search of a new challenge, he decided to focus his lens on the often insular world of the House of Windsor.
As an African-born Muslim, Hussein faced numerous institutional and cultural barriers while trying to break into the traditional realm of royal photography, which at the time favored a more conservative and understated aesthetic. With his long hair, beard, and characteristic leather jackets and cowboy boots, he was undeniably distinct. Despite the skepticism from the royal staff, who doubted his prospects for success, he was motivated by a strong desire to connect counterculture with the establishment.
Fully immersing himself in his craft, Hussein scrutinized official royal photographs and deemed them overly staged. He sought to merge his Africa-inspired photojournalism skills with an artistic vision shaped by his experiences with prominent musicians and actors, aiming to depict the Windsors in a more authentic and humanizing light.
Utilizing longer lenses during royal events allowed him to capture candid moments while remaining unobtrusive. One of his most iconic images shows Queen Elizabeth II playfully corralling her corgis at Aberdeen airport in 1974. These genuine moments resonated with Buckingham Palace, which was eager to present a modern image of the monarchy.
By the end of 1976, Hussein had built the trust of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, leading to invitations to document royal tours in Africa, Canada, and New Zealand. This increased access resulted in a wealth of intimate photographs, especially as Diana Spencer entered the royal family. Hussein had previously photographed her at various social events, but their relationship blossomed significantly following her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981.
His emotionally impactful work propelled Diana into worldwide fame, making her the most photographed woman on the planet. He captured some of her most defining moments, including her historic handshake with an AIDS patient in 1987 and the heartrending image of her embracing a terminally ill child in 1996—an image she treasured, despite the child’s tragic passing shortly thereafter.
As Diana’s marriage deteriorated, she skillfully used imagery to express her pain and distance. One poignant photograph from 1992 shows her in solitude before the Taj Mahal, a striking representation of lost love. Hussein remarked, “She expressed her emotions through her clothing,” especially noted when she wore the now-famous “revenge” dress to a Vanity Fair party in 1994, coinciding with revelations about her husband’s infidelity.
Hussein shared a profound bond with Diana; they became friends, and she often confided in him about personal issues, including her faith and struggles. He wrote and contributed to multiple publications about the royal family, and his landmark exhibition, “Princess Diana: Accredited Access,” which featured work from his sons Samir and Zakir, toured globally in 2021, concluding in London in 2024.
Born in Chunya, then part of the British colony of Tanganyika, Hussein was one of five siblings. His family later settled in Mwanza, where his father worked as a civil servant. Hussein’s academic pursuits were cut short when he discovered his passion for photography through a borrowed camera, initially honing his skills by capturing wildlife on the Serengeti plains.
In pursuit of a photography career, he gained recognition when the United Nations commissioned him to document humanitarian crises in the Republic of the Congo. He relocated to the UK in 1963, encountering challenges but ultimately achieving success after a breakthrough moment during an anti-Vietnam War protest in 1968, when he captured a dramatic image of a police officer being pulled from his horse—a photograph that made front-page news and launched his career.
Over the years, Hussein took on various roles, from capturing stills for films to photographing stars such as Sean Connery and Roger Moore. In a delightful twist, he even landed a cameo in Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans” and received an invitation to work on McQueen’s next film, “Papillon.”
In recent years, Hussein began to slow down, with the coronation of King Charles III in 2023 marking his final assignment. Throughout his remarkable five-decade career, he became the longest-serving royal photographer, seeing his images featured on Royal Mail stamps, a far cry from his childhood in Tanganyika, where he had only glimpsed monarchs on postage stamps.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, four grandchildren, and his sister, Tasnim.
Anwar Hussein, photographer, born November 3, 1938; died September 23, 2024.
