By now it’s no secret that Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton is an avid photographer, having shot a number of the official portraits of her children. And it seems her talents aren’t going unnoticed, as she has become patron of the Royal Photographic Society, succeeding the Queen after she served 67 years in the role.
As one of the world’s oldest photographic societies, the Queen has served as a patron since 1952.
The announcement was made across two separate Instagram posts, one on each of the official accounts of Kensington Palace and the Royal Photographic Society.
Referencing her longstanding interest in photography, the @kensingtonroyal account wrote that the decision will “highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity can have on emotional wellbeing, particularly for children and young people.”
After the news was announced, Middleton attended an RPS-organized photography workshop, alongside a charity that helps disadvantaged children.
It’s not the first time the RPS has publicly endorsed Middleton’s photographic efforts. Back in 2017, she received an honorary lifetime membership. At the time, the RPS sung the praises of her “talent and enthusiasm.”
The Royal Family’s website states:
The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family lend their names and much of their time to many different charities and organisations. Currently, over 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as their patron or president. […] Having a Royal patron or president provides vital publicity for the work of these organisations, and allows their enormous achievements and contributions to society to be recognised.
The RPS added that it was a “huge honor” to have the Duchess as their Patron. Founded back in 1853, the RPS is a registered charity promoting the art and science of photography. It’s open to anyone who has an interest in photography.
Lead image: "Kate" by *ry*, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Not quite sure what this even means/matters?
Just a sort of fun bit of news if anything else. Doesn't really change the world, but pretty cool stuff all the same.