In anticipation of his 75th birthday on November 14, King Charles III has graced the cover of The Big Issue, marking the launch of his Coronation Food Project. The captivating image, captured by renowned photographer John Waddell Rankin in the picturesque Clarence House Gardens in October 2023, showcases the monarch's regal presence and commitment to a cause close to his heart.
Rankin, famed for his iconic photograph of the late Queen Elizabeth during her Golden Jubilee in 2002, expressed his honor in shooting the image exclusively for the magazine. Speaking about the Coronation Food Project, Rankin emphasized its significance, stating, "I'm a big supporter of [the project], and it is something we don’t talk about enough."
In praising King Charles, Rankin shared his insights, describing the monarch as "a very resilient human being" with a "steely determination." The photograph, which captures the essence of the King, reflects not only his regality but also his commitment to addressing critical issues.
The Coronation Food Project, highlighted in the feature, aims to draw attention to the pressing issue of food need. King Charles emphasized the urgency of addressing both food need and food waste, stating, "Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste — and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one."
The Big Issue's front cover, featuring King Charles III, was released by Buckingham Palace on November 10, 2023, showcasing the monarch's dedication to philanthropy and community initiatives as he approaches this significant milestone in his reign.
