Camera Captures Haunting Photo of King Charles Staring Off into the Distance

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Published Jul 23, 2025

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4:31pm

DARREN STAPLES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Another day, another stunning royal photo. This week, fans were treated to an adorable birthday portrait of Prince George (and a cute behind-the-scenes video with siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis). But now, the latest royal image turning heads features none other than King Charles and it’s definitely a departure from his usual warm-and-smiley snapshots.

On July 22, during a visit to Newmarket in West England, King Charles stopped by the Jockey Club Rooms to meet with staff and club members. While the event itself was classic royal fare, one particular close-up photo caught my eye. In the shot, Charles isn’t flashing his signature smile. Instead, he looks tight-lipped, his piercing blue eyes gazing intently at something out of frame.

Maybe he was just deeply focused on someone speaking but the lighting, his expression and the overall mood of the photo are giving serious intensity.

Tim Rooke - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Buckingham Palace shared more photos from the outing on social media, including a much cheerier lead image of Their Majesties smiling together. Queen Camilla wore a black-and-white patterned dress while Charles opted for a sharp tan suit.

"Their Majesties visited @TheNationalStud, meeting those involved in industry-leading stud services, educational programmes, and charities improving access to British horse racing for young people," the caption read.

It continued, "Later, at King Edward VII Memorial Hall, The King and Queen met members of local community groups and businesses. Their Majesties ended the day at @TheJockeyClub, which was founded in 1750 and is today the largest employer and commercial organisation in British horseracing and one of the leading sports businesses in the UK."

Of course, this isn’t the first solemn-looking photo of King Charles. Earlier this month, a photo was released to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings in London. It captured the monarch standing alone in a dark suit at the memorial site, a quiet moment of reflection that struck an emotional chord.

Whether smiling, laughing or caught in a pensive moment, one thing’s for sure, the royals always photograph well.

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Danielle Long

Assistant Editor, News and Entertainment

Writes breaking news and entertainment content
Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards

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