‘KATE'S READY TO SHINE'

AS SHE LAUNCHES HER PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK ROYAL EXPERT DUNCAN LARCOMBE SAYS THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE IS CARVING OUT A UNIQUE ROLE IN THE ROYAL FAMILY ON HER OWN TERMS

- ANNA MATHESON

Cutting an elegant figure in a scarlet coat by Eponine London, the Duchess of Cambridge celebrated the launch of her book, Hold Still: A Portrait Of Our Nation In 2020, last week. In fact, the publication topped the bestseller list as Kate carried out visits to The Royal London Hospital and the National Portrait Gallery.

According to royal expert Duncan Larcombe, the marriage between Kate’s personal passions and charity work marks a new direction for the future queen.

“Since the Oprah interview and the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, we’re seeing a sea change from both William and Kate,” Duncan explains. “It feels like the couple are creeping out of the shadows and allowing more of their personal side to come across.”

Duncan adds that Kate is finding ways to bring her pastimes into her role as a royal, and the photography book marks the start of a new era for Kate. “The book was always something Kate would have wanted to do,” he says. “She’s one of the world’s most photographed women, but she enjoys being behind the lens herself and this is very much a passion project.”

Kate, 39, announced the Hold Still project with the National Portrait Gallery during the first lockdown in 2020. The duchess asked the public to submit images that captured the unprecedented period. It had more than 31,000 entries, from which Kate selected 100 “poignant and personal” portraits that provided a unique insight into the country’s experience during the coronavirus pandemic. The book was put together with help from the Co-op, and net profits will be split between the mental health charity, Mind, and the National Portrait Gallery.