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On Tuesday it was announced the Queen has passed on the role of patron for the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) to the Duchess of Cambridge, a role which the Queen has held for an impressive 67 years.
The patronage is one of the world’s oldest photographic societies in the world, founded in 1853 with the objective of promoting the art and science of photography.
The announcement was made ahead of Duchess Catherine’s visit to a photography workshop that same day, run by RPS and Action for Children, another of Kate’s patronages, a charity committed to helping vulnerable children, young people and their families across the UK.
The Queen passed on the royal patronage of the Royal Photographic Society to Kate, a role the Queen held for 67 years. (Image: Getty)
The royal mum-of-three stepped out in a gorgeous summery paisley dress for the visit, worn with her favourite Castaner espadrilles and gold earrings where she joined young people from Action for Children for the day’s session, which covered elements of photography including portraits, light and colour.
The workshop aims to highlight how photography provides a universal language for young people to express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings, which falls in line with Kate’s dedication to supporting organisation that aim to give children the best possible start to life through highlighting the beneficial impact art and creativity can have on emotional wellbeing, particularly for children and young people.
The patronage also makes perfect sense for the 37-year-old, who is known for her love of and impressive skills in photography. Describing herself as an “enthusiastic amateur photographer”, she studied art history at the University of St Andrews (the same place she met Prince William), and it also patron for London’s National Portrait Gallery.
Kate’s also responsible for many of the gorgeous portraits shared of her three children – Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1 – most recently sharing images she’d taken of Princess Charlotte to mark her fourth birthday in May.
One of the gorgeous images taken by the Duchess of Cambridge of Princess Charlotte, ahead of her fourth birthday. (Image: The Duchess of Cambridge via PA)
Speaking of the Duchess’ appointment as patron, Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Photographic Society Mike Taylor said, “It is a huge honour to have The Duchess as our Patron, especially given her personal interest in photography.
“We know that photography and creative pursuits have such a positive impact for people of all ages, and we are excited to be working with one of The Duchess’s charities in support of their work.”
Kate was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Photographic Society in 2017 and her appointment as royal patron sees her follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
