Dedicated AP reader George Bodnar has just been granted a rare Royal Warrant by the Prince of Wales.

Bodnar, who is self-taught, is understood to be only the second photographer in history to win Royal Warrant status.

A Royal Warrant entitles the holder to use the legend ?By Appointment? and display the Royal Arms on his stationery and advertisements, for example. Bodnar was awarded the honour in recognition of his continued patronage as a photographer to Prince Charles.

?I am delighted,? said Bodnar who added: ?I read AP and always have done. I also like the classified section to keep up to date with prices.?

Bodnar – whose photography is based mainly within the music and entertainment industry ? said that he exclusively uses Sigma lenses because he finds the range of lenses ?second to none?.

As well as shooting portraits of the Royal family, George?s work gives him access to celebrities attending events such as film premieres and shows such as Party in the Park.

Bodnar is also official photographer for the charities Comic Relief and Sport Relief.

His famous subjects have ranged from singers such as Celine Dion and Tom Jones to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and cricketer Darren Gough.

The picture (above) was captured at the premiere of the film Moulin Rouge. It shows Prince Charles, while looking on are Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor and the movie?s producer Baz Luhrmann.

To see some more of Bodnar?s work visit www.gbimages.com or www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/profusers/george_bodnar/gallery.htm

Picture credit: George Bodnar