The story behind my famous picture of Margaret Thatcher

I was surprised and delighted to find Morten Morland’s wonderful imitation of a photograph of Margaret Thatcher peering through the curtains of Number Ten on The Spectator’s cover. It reminded me of one of my memorable experiences as a photographer with the ‘Iron Lady’.

I was a staff photographer at the Times for about 15 years covering some very memorable events worldwide. In November 1990, I was called into Simon Jenkins’ office, the editor at that time, who wanted to see me for a ‘very important’ assignment. The Times had been given the exclusive news that Margaret Thatcher had been ousted as Prime Minister and would be leaving No.10.

Simon told me he had been granted the exclusive to interview her in Downing Street at midday. Arrangements had been made for me to go in advance to exclusively photograph the Prime Minister. I was told that I would be given at least an hour alone with her, and it was going to be a ‘world-beater’ of a story.

I pitched up at 10 Downing Street, at 10am, and was greeted at the door by none other than Mrs.