The Runaway Princess Troupe: A Photo that Holds Many Secrets

In the world of photography, some images stand out for their unique storytelling and intriguing subjects. One such image is 'Girl holding kitten, London, UK, 1960' by renowned photographer Bruce Davidson HonFRPS. The photograph features a young girl cradling a kitten in her hands, surrounded by mystery and curiosity.

For years, the identity of the girl remained unknown to Davidson himself. He only discovered the full story behind the photograph six decades later. The girl's name was Carol, and she was part of a professional ice-skating troupe with her sister Christine. As a teenager, Carol and her sister would often hitchhike around the Lake District and occasionally find themselves in London for concerts.

Davidson shared that some people who saw the image mistakenly assumed Carol was a runaway due to the sleeping bag in her hand. However, it was simply a normal part of their travels as they explored the country together. The sisters had a happy and loving upbringing, which is evident in the joyful atmosphere captured in Davidson's photograph.

The image has become one of Davidson's most recognized and beloved works, not only for its striking composition but also for the personal connection he formed with Carol's sister Christine years later. As Davidson reminisced about his time taking pictures along England's coast in a Hillman Minx convertible, eating fudge from a London shop, he fondly remembered those carefree days.

The photograph's enduring appeal may be attributed to its representation of modern British youth at the time, with Carol's androgynous style and the kitten adding to its mystique. Today, the image serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing moments and stories that might otherwise remain unknown.

Runaway princess troupe