King Charles and Diana photographer makes tragic observation years after snapping stunning image

Many might recognize the image of then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana , taken in 1987, showing the fateful pair looking pensive and gazing off into the middle distance.

This image was taken by Richard Blanshard, who has captured some of the world's most iconic stars on film.

Back in 1976, a young 22-year-old Richard Blanshard first made his mark at the Cannes Film Festival's festival, eventually becoming an official photographer for two decades. His work differs from today's perfectly staged snaps; it captures the unguarded moments of stars as they relaxed and partied away from the limelight.

These images are now featured in his latest release, "Cannes Uncut: The Golden Years," which showcases the festival during its heyday as the premier event for film promotion and fundraising.

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Reflecting on his experiences, Richard shared in an exclusive chat with The Mirror : "I was assigned to photograph Muhammad Ali when he visited Cannes to launch Freedom Road. He never once declined to have a picture taken. He was a wonderful character, but his entourage was a scary bunch."

One memorable incident in 1976 involved photographing legends Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, with Richard setting up a makeshift darkroom in a caravan. A mishap occurred when he recounts, "As I tried to print the negatives, there was no power the gardener had cut through a power cable. I wanted the earth to swallow me up."

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Born in Essex, Richard tirelessly produced images for daily trade magazines, stating, "They had to be under everyone's hotel door for 7am. Back then, with no internet, the only way to let the world know you were in Cannes was by being photographed.", reports the Mirror .

Richard, aged 69, reminisces about Johnny Depp being "effortlessly cool", while Arnold Schwarzenegdrogger and Sylvester Stallone were "trying to upstage one another". Reflecting on a 1987 event with Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Richard notes: "When I look at the images now it seems clear their relationship wasn't in a great place."

He's also snapped other iconic former pairs like Jerry Hall alongside Mick Jagger, and Hugh Grant with Liz Hurley. The striking cheekbones of Grace Jones are captured, as well as chilled out shots of Paul Newman and a fresh-faced Sharon Stone.

Richard laments that such spontaneous shots are rarer today: "It is all choreographed. Stars arrive in blacked-out limos for their red carpet moment, then leave immediately after."