For society, masculine identity is inner nature, the unwavering and consistent "macho" essence of man. One could recognize masculinity as the representation and sense of being male, a result of one's actions and the recognition by others. Masculinity is a purely social relation and a process that society has created itself. Masculinity is not a characteristic man has from birth but rather it must be constructed and reconstructed in a perpetual effort. The idea of a stable and completely masculine identity is a figment of the imagination, but this particular illusion works (because everybody believes it). The more recognition these British men receive from others, the easier it is for them to believe they are subjects, or somebody. .
According to Dr. Sinha, "the Englishman appeared the highest ideal of masculinity, possessing a love for sports, a chivalrous regard for women, and an equal reverence for play and work.4 The above quote was in reference to the British Raj Empire in India. Over the years, media has honed the British father and sons" image into the embodiment of the Englishman. They love their women (however promiscuously), adore their polo and rule their kingdom with a firm hand. I see all this in the simple family picture. .
In this image, the lack of sexual overtone and display of naked bodies is revealing in itself. These males are confident in their clothed manliness and prominent fame and do not need to reveal their rock-hard abs or flabby stomachs. According to Nilsen, "a man is valued for his physical strength and his accomplishments. A woman is sexy. A man is successful." 5.
The arrangement of the three males is rather worthy of note as well. Prince Charles is seated at the bottom, connotatively indicating that his reign will be taken over by Prince William who is at the top. Prince Henry, the second son, has the position of being trapped in the middle. The mentality of the British aristocracy is prominent throughout the image.