A beautiful portrait of Princess Charlene getting ready on her wedding day now graces the cover of Julian Lennon’s new photography book. The Princess gazes at her reflection in an ornate mirror while, just over her shoulder, one can see Julian Lennon’s reflection as he snaps the photo from behind the lens. The image serves both as a moving portrait of the Princess and a discreet self-portrait of the photographer.
The hefty, 240-page publication features striking images taken over two decades. Featuring street art and captivating landscapes, the coffee table book was released in December 2024.
“It’s a privilege I do not take lightly,” – Julian Lennon
With his first photography book, the established artist demonstrates that he has earned an esteemed place behind the camera. His pictures are powerful, expressive and each photograph tells a different story.
“Though art is undeniably subjective, photography offers a direct link to the soul. No middle man, no interference. What you see is what you get….It can be as simple as the joy of a colourful flower or the natural beauty of a landscape scene….I live for those moments. It’s what keeps me going. It’s what keeps me alive,” says Julian Lennon in the foreword to his new book.
Music, photography, philanthropy: Many hearts beat within Julian Lennon
Born in Liverpool in 1963, Julian Lennon is the son of Beatles member John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia. As a child, Julian inspired three Beatles songs: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (1967), “Hey Jude” (1968), and “Good Night” (1968). His parents divorced in 1968 after his father had an affair with Yoko Ono.
In 2007 Julian Lennon founded The White Feather Foundation (TWFF), which partners with philanthropists and charities around the world to raise funds for various humanitarian projects in four major areas: clean water, the preservation of Indigenous cultures, the environment and education and health. In 2008, the Prince of Monaco Albert II presented TWFF with the Better World Environmental Award.
Portraits of Princess Charlene also featured in Lennon’s Exhibition
Just before the publication of his book, Julian Lennon’s black and white portraits of Princess Charlene were featured in the ‘She Said Yes’ exhibition at Monaco’s Moretti Fine Art Gallery, which ran until 6 December 2024.
