Duke of Edinburgh Was 'Put In His Place' by Cecil Beaton During Coronation

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The Duke of Edinburgh was put in his place by Cecil Beaton during the Queen's coronation after the photographer became "exasperated" with his fussing, maid of honour Lady Glenconner has revealed.

Remembering the day more than sixty years on, the 81-year-old said the Duke tried to tell the royal party "where to stand and where to smile" for the official portrait.  However an infuriated Beaton, who photographed the Royal Family over many years, asked the interfering Duke whether he would like to take the picture himself.

Lady Glenconner, who was 20 at the time, is the daughter of Thomas Coke, 5th Earl of Leicester, and was a close friend of the Queen's sister Margaret.

Writing in the Guardian, she remembered: "When we finally returned to Buckingham Palace, Cecil Beaton was waiting in the throne room. The Duke of Edinburgh was busy telling everyone where to stand and when to smile.

"I could see Cecil getting more and more exasperated, until suddenly he said, "Sir, if you'd like to take the photographs, do!" Of course, the Duke of Edinburgh retired after that. Once Cecil was in charge, he was very charming. He knew exactly what he wanted."

More: Duke of Edinburgh was 'put in his place' by Cecil Beaton during coronation - Telegraph

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