India Hicks, designer and goddaughter to King Charles III, has shared a touching glimpse into her early photography days—and a very personal royal moment.
In an exclusive interview and photoshoot at her Bahamas home, the 57-year-old revealed that the then-Prince of Wales once gave her the opportunity to photograph the royal family for their official Christmas card, a gesture she describes as both “thoughtful” and “nerve-racking.”
“He’s a very considerate godfather,” India said of the King, who is also her second cousin. “Even before taking on the big job he’s got now, he was a spectacularly busy man, but always made time to write a Christmas or birthday card, send a thoughtful note, or even hand-design a gift made by a jeweler. It was incredibly touching.”
India, who once dreamed of becoming a professional photographer, was fresh out of photography school when Charles entrusted her with the festive task. “He wrote me and asked if I would like to be the photographer for his Christmas card one year. So, I went to Highgrove and photographed him, Diana, and the boys,” she recalled. “It was quite nerve-racking—firstly, because it was such a risk. I could have been a complete idiot with a camera. And secondly, it was just such a kind and generous thing to do.”
A former bridesmaid to Princess Diana, India also praised the King’s long-standing dedication to sustainability. “He was ahead of the curve. We talk about green and sustainable living so much now, but he’s been championing that for decades,” she said. “Whatever your view on the monarchy, you can’t deny we have an extraordinary man on the throne who’s set an incredible example.”
Now a mother of five, India has turned her focus to a new chapter in life. With her children flying the nest, she’s embracing her creative side once again—this time in fashion. She recently launched a new swimwear collaboration with Australian brand Sea Level, inspired by the timeless glamour of Bond Girls. The collection, designed for mature women, features flattering silhouettes, sculpted one-pieces, bikinis, and elegant cover-ups.
“My friends often talk about losing confidence on the beach as they get older, but we should still feel sexy and attractive—for ourselves,” she said. “We should never give up wanting to look and feel our best.”
India, daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks (a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II) and legendary designer David Hicks, is married to former hotelier David Flint Wood, 64. Together, they split their time between the Bahamas and their charitable work abroad.
A passionate humanitarian, India has been closely involved with The King’s Trust (formerly Prince’s Trust), which recently expanded into the Bahamas. She also volunteers with Global Empowerment Mission, often traveling to Ukraine—sometimes with her adult children—to deliver aid and help rebuild communities.
“It’s important to me that I’m actually boots on the ground,” she explained. “The risk is enormous, of course. I’m either the worst mother or the best mother for taking my grown-up kids there, but I think it’s vital they see what’s happening. This is a war on our doorstep in Europe.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, India Hicks is proving that life after parenting can be just as bold and meaningful as the chapters that came before.
