Queen Elizabeth and her granddaughter-in-law Kate Middleton may be in the spotlight, but behind the scenes, they both share a love for photography.
In honor of World Photography Day, the Queen, aged 95, and Kate, aged 39, took to social media to express their support for this art form.
The Royal Family Account released three photographs of Queen Elizabeth from different moments in her life, capturing her in black and white as she instructs her eldest children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, on how to use a traditional camera.
These images showcase the Queen’s appreciation for capturing moments through the lens.
Meanwhile, Kate showcased the work of young photographers who participated in her Hold Still project.
This initiative aimed to document daily life during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s staff emphasized the power of photography in preserving our experiences, and they wanted to honor the talented young finalists of the Hold Still 2020 Photography Project on this special day.
Kate herself frequently appears in family portraits, including those of her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, particularly on significant occasions like their birthdays.
Photography has been an integral part of the British monarchy for over two centuries, as revealed in the BBC documentary “Lucy Worsley’s Royal Picture Book.”
The monarchy understands the impact of visual communication, employing photographs to convey messages ranging from matters of state to personal emotions.
According to Worsley, the royal family’s influence lies not in military might or historical legacy, but in the power of the media.
Limited by opportunities for direct communication, the visual medium becomes paramount.
Through carefully orchestrated photo opportunities, the royals master the art of expressing their power, utilizing elements such as clothing, body language, and their choice of companions.
In other news, Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, may face challenges due to the monarch’s plans to renovate the royal estates.
As the reigning monarch, King Charles III holds the Duchy of Cornwall and intends to reform the royal properties.
This has raised concerns for Prince Andrew, who fears being evicted from his current Windsor residence and having his annual payment reduced.
According to sources, the Duke of York, who turns 63 today, has confided in friends about his financial worries.
He relies on the yearly gift from his older brother to sustain the upkeep of his residence at the royal lodge.
However, it is reported that this subsidy may be eliminated as early as April, leaving Prince Andrew with no choice but to vacate the property by September.
While he may not be explicitly expelled, the financial burden may become too great for Prince Andrew to bear.
The royal lodge, spanning 98 acres and including a swimming pool, requires substantial restoration work.
Previously, Andrew relied on his mother’s charity, funded by the Duchy of Lancaster, for financial support, amounting to £249,000 per year.
However, since stepping back from his royal duties in 2019, he no longer receives government funding.
Recent reports suggest that all members of the royal family have been informed of potential reductions in their Duchy allowances.
If Prince Andrew’s stipend is indeed reduced, he may have to rely primarily on his navy pension.
Nevertheless, it is believed that King Charles III would not allow his brother to face financial hardship and expects the family to handle their personal expenses independently, especially considering the current economic climate.
In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton’s shared passion for photography highlights their appreciation for capturing moments and conveying messages through visual storytelling.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew’s future at the royal lodge remains uncertain as King Charles III plans to reform the royal estates, potentially affecting the younger prince’s residency and financial support.