The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, made a public appearance in London on Friday, leaving royal fans buzzing with excitement.
Just hours after sharing a playful video on the day of her Hold Still photography book’s publication, Kate visited the Royal London Hospital and the National Portrait Gallery’s archive.
This marked exactly one year since she launched the community project in collaboration with the gallery.
During her visit to the Royal London Hospital in East London, Kate sought to learn more about Barts Health NHS Trust’s Vital Arts Organisation and its efforts to commission art for the hospital, as well as other facilities under the trust’s umbrella.
The goal of these artistic endeavors is to enhance the experiences of both patients and staff.
Engaging in conversations with various personnel, the Duchess inquired about their experiences during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic.
She empathetically asked, “How are you all doing?
I know hospitals are busy places, but how has the extra pressure of Covid affected the mood?”
The response she received was heartening, with staff members expressing that morale remained high.
They also showcased photographs taken by Barts Health NHS Trust employees, capturing significant moments from this historic period.
These images served as a testament to the resilience and dedication displayed by healthcare workers.
Earlier in the day, Kate playfully teased royal enthusiasts by posting a video clip on the Cambridge’s Instagram account.
The footage depicted the Duchess leaving a copy of her book outside Kensington Palace, enticing someone to discover it.
This act was part of a collaboration with the book fairies, an initiative that encourages readers to share books they have enjoyed by leaving them in public spaces for others to find.
In total, 150 copies of Hold Still have been cleverly hidden across the UK by the judging panel.
During her visit, Kate also had the opportunity to view Johanna Churchill’s framed photograph titled “Melanie, March 2020.”
The image showcases a fellow nurse wearing personal protective equipment while preparing a Covid-19 clinic for patients.
This powerful photograph was recreated as a mural in Manchester and serves as the cover image for Hold Still.
As a gift, the Duchess presented the framed portrait to the Royal London Hospital, where it will be displayed in the main corridor.
Reflecting on the impact of the image, Kate remarked, “It has become really iconic, hasn’t it?
Some of them had really powerful stories behind them, and this one really stood out.
I spoke to Johanna, and she was so humble, saying that it’s not about her but about the people she represents.”
Additionally, Kate explored the hospital’s vital arts projects, which adorn various areas such as wards, waiting rooms, and corridors.
One particularly eye-catching piece, created by artist Kate Bryce using ink and glitter, caught the Duchess’s attention.
She playfully remarked, “Charlotte would love that one,” referring to her six-year-old daughter.
Kate’s joyful demeanor continued as she picked up a book titled “Oh No George” by Chris Horton.
Laughing, she quipped, “That’s very appropriate,” before receiving it as a gift for her son.
Donning a stunning red eponine coat from the brand’s AW18 collection and a camel-pleated skirt, the Duchess exuded elegance as she carried out her engagements in London.
Her next stop was the National Portrait Gallery’s archive, where she met with Nicholas Cullinan, the gallery’s director.
Cullinan confirmed that the final 100 images selected for Hold Still will become part of the gallery’s national collection.
This ensures that this unique collective portrait of an extraordinary period in the nation’s history will be preserved for future generations to appreciate.