With just one week to go until the entry window closes for 'Hold Still', the Duchess of Cambridge shared a video message speaking about the project and encouraging people to participate. The Duchess said: "There have been so many amazing entries to Hold Still over the last few weeks. From families up and down the country showing how they are adapting to life during lockdown, through to some of the most amazing NHS and social care staff who are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others." Kate added: "But it isn’t too late to take part. So please take a moment to capture what life is like for you, because together I hope that we can build a lasting illustration of just how our country pulled together during the pandemic."
Hold Still was launched in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery in early May. "In a statement about the effort, the Duchess said: "We’ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we've seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country. Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable. Hold Still aims to capture a portrait of the nation, the spirit of the nation, what everyone is going through at this time. Photographs reflecting resilience, bravery, kindness – all those things that people are experiencing."
Over 12,000 images have already been shared. Ultimately, a hundred will be chosen for the final exhibition. The chosen themes are 'Acts of Kindness', 'Your New Normal' and 'Helpers and Heroes'.
The Duchess was eager to share submissions: "I've seen some amazing images and I just wanted to share some of those images with you today." Below, 'We Are the Future' by Daisy Valencia.
A moving 'Kiss Through the Glass' by Steph James. A photo which will be emotive for so many grandparents all over the world.
'Colleagues Unmasked' by Jane Roe - a snapshot of the exhaustion all those on the front lines have felt and fought through to provide care in the most difficult circumstances.
The National Portrait Gallery also shared images via their social media: "This carers week, we’re featuring some of the wonderful #HoldStill2020 entries from young carers at the Renaissance Foundation. Photographers Jal, Ananya and Ose responded to the theme ‘Your New Normal’, creating photographic portraits of their lives during the pandemic."
If you would like to share a photo please click here to find out more. It's going to be immensely difficult to choose just a hundred and I do hope there's a way to share all entries online in the future. Each photo tells a story, representative of an individual experience so many will relate too. Below 'Daddy Is Home' by Chu Yen Pasion. A father returning from a night shift as a nurse is greeted by his son who couldn't wait for his dad to exit the car.
The Duchess wore one of her favourite dresses - the Stella McCartney 'Ridley' she's had since 2012.
Below, Kate wearing it in 2016 for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Airford, an event with a very special guest..
The talented Kate's Closet shared the Alexia Admor Scuba Midi Sheath Dress as a Repli-Kate option. It's currently reduced from $199 to $36 at Nordstrom Rack. It comes in several colours.
It appears Kate accessorised with her £5 Accessorize Twisted Circle Drop earrings.
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In other news, it has been revealed Kate's new private secretary is former British diplomat Hannah Cockburn-Logie. Ms Cockburn-Logie was involved in the planning of the Cambridges' 2016 tour to India and Bhutan. During a twenty-year career, she has worked extensively for the Foreign and Commonwealth office in India, Belgium and Slovenia.
More from the Mail Online:
'In December 2017, Ms Cockburn-Logie was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her services to the relationship between the UK and India, having led Prime Ministerial visits in both directions, as well as Prince William and Kate's tour.
Speaking about her OBE, she told The Grimsby Telegraph at the time: 'I am absolutely over the moon, it is a real privilege and honour having worked so hard for the past few years in India.
'It is really nice to have your work recognised. I never imagined when I was at school that I would one day be recognised in this way. I hope it shows that hard work pays off. It is wonderful to be back in Grimsby to share this news with my family in person.'
She was also awarded an MVO in 2008 for her work leading the Queen's visit to Slovenia.'
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As we look forward to the resumption of public engagements in the coming weeks, Her Majesty decided it was time for her very first Zoom call, with Princess Anne, to mark carers week. After a life of service, this was a first for the monarch.
The Queen and Prince Philip are currently residing at Windsor Castle, where they privately celebrated Philip's 99th birthday this week. On Saturday morning, the monarch will view a very different Trooping the Colour. The private and scaled back parade will take place in Windsor, with a small ceremony led by the Welsh Guards. Other members of the family are not due to attend. It will be televised at 10.15 am on BBC One.
I sometimes wonder what impact this pandemic will have on the Queen. I'm sure that she is busy behind the scenes with her boxes, but this must be the first time in her reign that she has not been actively out and about (besides during her pregnancies). I do wonder if it will make her re-think her level of activity in the future. Sometimes once people slow down, it's hard to work yourself back up to a previous level again. She's been so busy for so long, I wonder if this break is also being used to evaluate how active she will be in the next few years.
ReplyDeleteI have wondered about this also. I hope for her health she found ways to keep a schedule and stay busy. Important as we get older both for physical and mental health.
DeleteThere are positives in any calamity and perhaps for the Queen it has been the chance to spend these few months with Prince Phillip without much interference. I am pleased that in the twilight of their lives they have been given this time.
DeleteLibby, I remarked much the same on a different post. since PP retired it seemed they were no longer in the same physical space day in and day out. I think this is a silver lining for them to be able to spend this much time together. maybe even strange, they have not led a normal life, so I am very unsure if this has ever happened for this long or much at all during her reign.
DeleteOh what a wonderful, wonderful post Charlotte. As our country (US) roils in chaos, as the COVID numbers are going up and up where I live, to see these wonderful initiatives from a country that is like my second home and three of my favorite Royals, just cheers me up no end. I giggled to see Catherine speaking more quickly than she normally does, obviously excited about the photography contest. And such terrific, poignant photos! And the QUEEN has Zoomed! Omigosh!! I am sure she’s been egged on by the younger members of the family to “go public.” Someone obviously set her iPad up for her because she looks far better than I do when I Zoom. I usually tip the iPad over, get too close, too far away, forget to put some make up on.....
ReplyDeleteValerie I just have to say I so enjoy your posts :)
DeleteCan’t wait to see the final 100. So far they are all unique and appear representative of what is happening in UK.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, the dress Kate is wearing with her new PS is one we have never seen before and I don’t recall this event at all. Must have been a private event with British diplomats at the ambassadors residence?
Perhaps Erdem?
The response to this project is amazing! It will be difficult, indeed, to narrow the entries down to 100 from more than 12,000. I know that I would most likely be shedding tears if I was one of the judges as each photographic entry will have been taken from the heart.
ReplyDeleteAnd love the Ridley repeat too!
Border Terrier lover
+1, BTL!! 😃
DeleteThis is a really good project for this time! I know zooming is all they can do, but it doesn't bring the attention of course of personal visits. Kate and William have been much busier this year, it seems (and no, they didn't get more work due to H&M's absence! Thank you, Sophie, for settling that issue). I think the plan was all along for them to work more after their children were born and growing up and as William inches toward Charles' current position.
DeleteA photo "contest" is a wonderful way of involving people without a cost to anyone. It also is a way of letting people's feelings be shared. I wonder if all the entries will be available somewhere online even after the top 100 are chosen. That would please all those who submitted an image, I think. I bet we'll be surprised at what we see.
What lovely pic of Grandmother and baby also the nurses taking a nap after a long hrs in the ICU,well deserved.Lovely blue dress.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a great initiative to have been able to take up with NPG during lockdown. I really like her hair back, it gives her a mature look. Her curtains are beautiful!! Any idea if we could ID fabric like we do clothes?
ReplyDeleteThat dress is gorgeous on her. A great project.
ReplyDeleteThat project is a great idea. I find I actually am looking forward to seeing the 100 photos chosen.
ReplyDeleteBut man, Kate looks different. Is she really stressed do you think? Because there's a marked differences between now and in the engagement with George.
At the risk of people taking this the wrong way, I think we are seeing the “real” Kate at the moment. Normally when we see her, she looks picture perfect, professionally done hair, a skin regime, probably including the best spa’s London can offer. Nothing wrong with it, that is her job, but it can also hide a lot.
DeleteWhat we are seeing now DIY Kate. Add to that the fact that spending lockdown with 3 kids under 5 (even with the help of a nanny) would take their toll on anybody.
Interesting, I actually think she looks fabulous in most of these video posts and photos from home:). To me at least she looks much the same over the last five years.
DeleteI dont take it the wrong way and there is probably some truth to that!
DeletePersonally I think.this is a really nice project and I hope it gets some attention.
Im not really seeing it buehare, she looks the same to me. not a huge fan of pulling her hair back but she looks normal. she could be tired and stressed, I don't think that's unusual right about now, especially with 3 kids under 5. even if she is ever tired and cranky looking she still looks better than I do at any given moment. lol :)
DeleteKate is doing is doing a fabulous job. looking immaculate. Thank you Charlotte for all your work during lock down a wonderful lift. Donna
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteBecca USA
Well, Bluhare, I see some differences around the jawline, not sure I see anything else? It is a four year span and she hasn’t been able to visit her spas in London for facials. I just think she looks her usual happy self—there have been a couple of Zoom interviews where she did look tired but I find very few people look their absolute best on Zoom, especially in lockdown
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Valerie, I see some differences but I attribute it to how she is pulling her hair back and the fact that Zoom tends to distort depending on the angle. I am not a fan of how she pulls her hair back and like it better when her hair is down, it frames her face. I don't know that I think she looks tired, but there have been a few times where I thought she looked concerned and almost tearful. But her skin looks beautiful and she otherwise looks happy and engaged.
DeleteTrue recording on those video conferences is not the most flattering for most of us. I have been amazed how good she and William have looked. A few she has looked tired but I have seen tired photos of her over the last 5 years also.
DeleteI agree Valerie! I'm thinking of you in Arizona & sending well wishes along! :) xoxo
DeleteBecca USA
I think she looks tight and stressed. Maybe she doesnt like zoom.
DeleteI hope there is some commentary provided by Kate on some of the winning photographs. Her reasons for choosing them. What they evoke etc. I would be interested in that.
Also doing a video with the light coming from behind you is never a good idea to look your best. You always place it right in front of you to avoid shadows and wrinkles and place the camera at the height of your eyes (which she did).
DeleteThanks for the tips Imke:).
DeleteThank you Charlotte for your post. I think this is a wonderful legacy project. In the decades and centuries ahead these are the images that will inform about ordinary peoples response to the 2020 'plague'. This year has been a watershed for many of us and certainly a catalyst for change in how the royals will operate in the future. I was interested in the choice of private secretary for Kate. It seemed to indicate a big future step up in responsibility. Perhaps when Prince Charles acquired the virus there was a realisation that life is always uncertain and had things panned out differently William could have been King sooner rather than later. It will be interesting to follow developments over the next year or so. I was impressed that the Queen has embraced Zoom. How many 94 year old do you know who could? I hope you are all keeping safe, keeping distance and adapting to our brave new world warts and all.
ReplyDeleteSo well said Libby & I echo all of your points! :)
DeleteBecca USA
Cannot wait to see the final 100 photos but don’t envy having to choose them from the 12,000 submitted. These photos document a moment in history and will be used for generations to come. A London photographer called Damien Hewetson has been taking snaps of London during lock down and has submitted one of his images for this exhibition. His webpage is worth checking out, particularly if you know London well. Great project!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess looks stunning in blue. I really like the picture with the hairband. A diamond or Princess Diana's emerald choker would make beautiful hairbands on her. History in the making. Well done, a fantastic project.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, when Prince charles becomes king and william and Kate become prince and princess of Wales or whatever title they end up having will George, Charlotte and Louis’s surname also change form Cambridge to Wales, or something else?
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try and answer here to the nest of my knowledge:)
DeleteWhen prince Charles becomes king, he would be the one to bestow the prince of wales title to William, he does not automatically turn into that. kate would then be the princess of wales. (Camilla is technically the princess of wales but as diana used that most Camilla uses duchess of cornwall, which was also one of diana's titles as the counterpart to Charles titles) then when William and kate are the princes and princess of wales (as well as the duke and duchess of cornwall etc.) the children become wales instead of Cambridge, although they would simply stay prince George, princess charlotte and prince louis. although technically if they had a true last name I believe it is Windsor mountbatten.
anyone think im close to correct? :) this is the way I perceive it! interesting question.
Caroline, I think you have the gist of it right. There is also that interesting phase between when the Queen dies and William is invested as Prince of Wales where W&K will be The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Although I suspect they will just continue to use Cambridge to keep things simpler untill they are the P&P of Wales.
DeleteA "nest of knowledge" ...I like the sound of that.
ReplyDeleteI would add- the Wales title is not inheritable; the Dukedom of Cambridge is. I suspect Louis will inherit that since Charlotte will likely be Princess Royal and George POW and Duke of Cornwall when William is king.
Inheritance doesn’t work like that. A Duke can’t decide which of his sons inherit the title. His eldest son will inherit it. Although in the case of William when he becomes king the duchy of Cambridge will merge with the crown. So there will be the posibility of recreating it for Louis. But I believe there is a better chance that Louis will become the Duke of York, a title often held by the second son of the monarch.
DeleteThere has been lots of talk that Prince Edward will inherit the title Duke of Edinburgh from his dad. But likewise that would be impossible. Upon Phillip’s death Charles will become the Duke of Edinburgh. Only when Charles becomes king and the title merge with the crown, can it be recreated for Prince Edward. But as youngest son there is no way he can inherit it.
RachelZA, I have often wondered about that duke of York seeing as the previous duke of york's actually became king and PA only has daughters and they can not inherit.
DeleteCan charlotte only become the princess royal upon the death of the current princess royal? or does she become that only when William becomes king?
Anon: I am unclear what you mean about the Wales title?
The Duke of York title is interesting since all Dukes of York has ended either becoming king or only having daughters, so that they can’t pass on the title. Hence it has become a sort of tradition to recreate it for the second son. Although I would have loved if HM made an exception allowing Beatice to inherit the title from her father.
DeleteAs to the Princess Royal, there can only ever be one Princess Royal, so Charlotte will only become Princess Royal when Princess Anne dies and William is king.
Caroline, this is my third attempt to post an answer to your question, as well as respond to other comments about titles.
DeleteBriefly (relatively) the POW title may seem inherited since the eldest sons of POW usually become the next POW. However, it is a title bestowed by the queen (monarch) at a time of her choosing. The previous POW need not first die as with an inherited title; he simply moves on.
Briefly, Charles will not inherit his father's Edinburgh title. It will revert to the Crown. What happens depends on who is monarch. I suspect Charles would hold the title in reserve to honor his father. The Windsor title has remained dormant. There has been speculation that HM intends to bestow this title on Edward. That would seem to conflict with the Wessex decision to refuse the use of Prince and Princess for their children.
Louis will not be Duke of York. He will surely be eligible for the Duke of Cambridge title, once William moves on to the throne. Charlotte is actually William's "spare," the heir to the heir--the traditional person the York title has gone to since. .. forever.
Charlotte will not be Princess Royal as long as Anne lives.
William will probably call himself Duke of Cambridge and Cornwall.
Titles can be revoked or vacated but they are usually held for life.
By the way, Duke of Cornwall is the only royal title automatically assumed at burth. This has been true since Edward II or III, I forget which.( Excluding Prince and Princess, which is another category)
In days past, Julia would straighten us all out in these matters. (Hint, hint!) Anon 21:13
@Anonymous: Charles will certainly take on the Dukedom of Lancaster from the Queen the second he becomes king. It is the Dutchy for the monarchs private income. The Queen is in fact the Duke of Lancaster not the Duchess, as only the male holds the title. I wish they would finally put the women in line as holders of a dukedom. If needed they can take on the male form on paper or officially (as the rank Duke always outrankes Duchess, same with King and Queen). It would also help with the fact that over time Dukedoms disappear forever.
DeleteCaroline, I think you are right. I am wondering if Prince William might tell Charles not to bother with bestowing Prince of Wales on him? He and Kate seem to be aware of being more modern royals. They may feel (and here I am imposing my sensibilities on him) that Charles' investiture is pomp enough, would the British people want another big thing? Also, William might be sensitive to the Welsh people. They already seem to like W & K for being simply W & K. I wonder if they would become more popular by eschewing the extra title? I was thinking about this whole thing yesterday when I thought those ancient titles are kind of passe for monarchs. I have been watching a very cute program called "An American Aristocrat's Guide to Great Estates" and it seems to me that being a Duke of, say, Argyll, only really works in modern times if you LIVE in Argyll. I use that example because my maiden name was Campbell ;) What do you all think--do you think William will want to become Prince of Wales and would Charles be okay with it if William says, thanks Dad but no thanks. William IS being prepared to take over the Duchy of Cornwall so that might be enough for him?
ReplyDeleteI think the Welsh people will take it as a huge insult if William decide to take a pass on the title Prince of Wales. The whole point of the heir to the throne being the Prince of Wales is to give recognition to the role Wales play in the United Kingdom. Not taking it will not be an option. Titles is not something just just pic and choose.
DeleteHowever, William’s investiture might look very different from the one Charles had.
I don't know how it works exactly, but would agree with RachelZA that the title of Prince of Wales has importance to the country, as well as to William. Think it is also a role and not just a title. Also think that William and Kate have a tie to Wales and William would want to become POW (think he should learn more Welsh though :)). Agree that the investiture might be different, but think we may be seeing a scaling back of some of the pomp and circumstance just in general.
DeleteI for one love the pomp and circumstance and I really want to live long enough to watch an investiture of William as the POW, mainly because I want to see that crown again!! Hope he has been learning welsh from an early age as it seems hard to master. I for one hope that W&K become the P&POW, I think the female title needs a come back, and Kate is just the one to be the next POW. I don't feel this is something you just say no thanks too.
DeleteCaroline, I seriously doubt that William has been learning any Welsh - he doesn't even speak French very well, and Welsh is much more complicated than French! I understand why it would be great but I really don't think it is a realistic expectation 😁.
DeleteAs RachelZA has said - Titles are not truly a pick and choose option. Through history they have a very important symbolic character. At a time where calls for inependence, nationalism and particularism rise the BRF will be the last to jeoprdise the unity of their country/kingdom. Another important point is that the Duchy of Cornwall is actually a big business. It creates a very real income. As does the Duchy of Lancaster for the Crown. Right now, the Cambridges expended are paid for. As first in line to the throne their profile and therefore their spending will increase. It would just look weird if they are still handed pocket money from Daddy.
DeleteC.
I think Zora is right, learning Welsh is probably not a realistic expectation, but it would be great if he did, it is such a lyrical language. After hearing Charles speak such fluent French today, think William should start boning up on some other language. It was impressive hearing Charles speak.
Delete@Anonymous 02:38: I actually think it is a realistic expectation. He doesn't have to be fluent but if you want to be the king of someone you most defenitely should speak their language to some extent. Wales and Scotland are proud countries and they nurture their own customs and languages. The UK's unity is strong but only because the Welsh and the Scots choose to stay (and especially with Scotland there are big concers right now) and feel that they are not robbed of their identity. The Crown is an unifying symbol and defenitely should make an effort to continue to unofy the kingdom an strengthen it. With Bexit and particularism on the rise in many parts of Europe (Spain, Italy, Netherlands, UK...) Charles and Wiliams titles and actions to that regard will carry more weight than they have for a long time.
DeleteC.