You’ll probably recognise the picture above from Charles’ visit to Cuba with Camilla.

It’s one of the entries in this year’s competition and was shot by Jane Barlow for PA Media.

Every year, News Media Association (NMA) member photographers from local and national publishers and other members of the rota system, including photo agencies and freelancers, are invited to compete for the Royal Rota Photography Competition.

Forbes notes that the contest brings together the best in the industry. Here’s how it works:

Because there are several hundred royal engagements undertaken by members of the royal family each year, and “due to space restrictions and security, it is rarely possible to allow all media who wish to cover a royal engagement equal access to the event,” explain the organisers.

“A ‘rota,’ or pool system, was therefore introduced. Representatives from each relevant media sector are offered the opportunity to cover an event with the understanding that they will share all material they obtained with other members of their sector who request it.”

The contest categories are: National Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year, Regional/Local Newspaper Rota Photo of the Year, Rota Picture Agency of the Year and Overall Rota Photo of the Year.

Let’s see some of the top entries in this year’s competition:

Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Harry at the wedding of Gabriella Windsor.PHOTO: IAN MCILGORM – MAIL ON SUNDAY.

Queen Elizabeth views a model building at the headquarters of British Airways. PHOTO: TOLGA AKMEN – AFP.

Princess Eugenie’s wedding. PHOTO: JONATHAN BRADY – PA MEDIA

The Duchess of Sussex on Fraser Island. PHOTO: ROBIN NUNN – IPA

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour. PHOTO: PHILIP IDE – MAIL ON SUNDAY.

Prince George at Princess Eugenie’s Wedding. PHOTO: YUI MOK – PA MEDIA

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex In snow. PHOTO: CHRIS JACKSON – GETTY IMAGES

Prince Charles, inadvertently crowned. PHOTO: PETER BYRNE – PA MEDIA

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Westminster Abbey. PHOTO: RICHARD POHLE – THE TIMES

And my personal favourite:

The Queen and the President. PHOTO: HEATHCLIFF O’MALLEY – THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

There’s just so much happening in the above image.

We’ll be sure to let you know who takes home the top prize.

In the meantime, you can see more pictures here.

[source:forbes]