According to Daily Express - UK News, Nina Duncan, assistant to photographer Chris Levine, described the 3D laser scanning process as akin to having a passport photo taken during a session with Queen Elizabeth II. In response, according to Daily Express - UK News, Queen Elizabeth II described that she did not need a passport photo, a witty comeback that underscored her unique status. This aligns with the fact that, as Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II did not need a passport during her reign, a policy confirmed by the Royal Family website.
The specific date of this exchange and the exact location of the scanning session remain unknown, adding a layer of mystery to the anecdote. Chris Levine was the photographer behind some of the most celebrated portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. He was commissioned by Jersey Heritage in 2004 to create a portrait commemorating Jersey's 800-year allegiance to the Crown.
It's a bit like having your passport photo taken, Your Majesty.
The finished photograph, Equanimity, was presented to the National Portrait Gallery. A second image, the holographic Lightness of Being, became one of the most enduring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II. Current royal passport policies maintain the tradition established during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
According to the Royal Family website, when traveling overseas, the Sovereign does not require a British passport, as passports are issued in the name of the monarch, making it unnecessary for the King to possess one. King Charles does not require a passport today as Sovereign. All other members of the Royal Family, including The Queen and The Prince of Wales, have passports, as stated on the Royal Family website.
One doesn't need a passport photo.
In a posthumous tribute, Queen Elizabeth II is set to be honored with a limited-edition collector's teddy bear made in her likeness for her 100th birthday. Steiff's Queen Elizabeth II Bear is crafted from mohair and accessorized with a jewelled brooch, hat, handbag, and pearl necklace. The number of bears to be produced and their price have not been disclosed, and the official release date for sale remains unknown.