"These Images Remind Us That We Need Each Other": The Duchess Pens Foreword for Hold Still Book

As we watched the Hold Still exhibition in 2020, we absorbed moving and heartbreaking images telling the story of a year like no other. For each of us, there were particular images which struck a chord. For me, it was pictures of families communicating through windows -- a reminder of how difficult it was to sacrifice precious moments with my grandmother as she battled a serious illness. For others, it was images depicting the exhaustion felt by frontline workers who summoned boundless energy day after day to look after those most in need. Parallels were observed by parents through photos of homeschooling, rainbow paintings and virtual parties. The exhibition captured the toll of tireless service, the sorrow of loss, the joy of reunion. With the exception of Heads Together, Hold Still is Kate's finest project to date in my estimation. It captured the mood of a nation and will serve as an exhibition of historical value in years to come. At the time, I shared my hope it would eventually be published as a book with proceeds benefitting a worthy cause. Tonight, it was confirmed that hope has come to fruition with the Duchess penning a foreword for Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020.

The Duchess wrote, "When we look back at the Covid-19 pandemic in decades to come, we will think of the challenges we all faced, the loved ones we lost, the extended isolation from our families and friends and the strain placed on our key workers. But we will also remember the positives: the incredible acts of kindness, the helpers and heroes who emerged from all walks of life, and how together we adapted to a new normal. Through Hold Still, I wanted to use the power of photography to create a lasting record of what we were all experiencing – to capture individuals' stories and document significant moments for families and communities as we lived through the pandemic. I hope that the final 100 images showcase the experiences and emotions borne during this extraordinary moment in history, pay tribute to the awe-inspiring efforts of all who have worked to protect those around them, and provide a space for us to pause and reflect upon this unparalleled period."

Kate continued, "For me, the power of the images is the poignant and personal stories that sit behind them. I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to some of the photographers and sitters, to hear their stories first-hand - from moments of joy, love and community spirit, to deep pain, sadness, isolation and loss. A common theme of those conversations was how lockdown reminded us about the importance of human connection and the huge value we place on the relationships we have with the people around us. Although we were physically apart, these images remind us that, as families, communities and a nation we need each other more than we had ever realised".

All proceeds from the book will be split between Kate's patronage the National Portrait Gallery and leading UK mental-health charity Mind. It was one of eight charities included in Heads Together. Mind believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Like so many charities across the globe, they are facing unprecedented demand in challenging circumstances amidst the pandemic. Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:

'The coronavirus pandemic is a mental health emergency as well as a physical one. The devastating loss of life, the impact of lockdown, and any recession that lies ahead means there has never been a more crucial time to prioritise our mental health.

“This inspiring collection of portraits illustrates the impact of the pandemic in all its complexity, but also how creativity, art and human connection can help us find meaning in unprecedented challenges. Thank you to everyone who submitted a portrait to tell such a moving and deeply human story of the pandemic. And to the National Portrait Gallery and The Duchess of Cambridge for choosing Mind as a joint beneficiary of proceeds from the sales of this book.'

Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery shared in a statement: "The photographs submitted have helped to create a unifying and cathartic portrait of life in lockdown. We are honoured to have been able to share a selection of these photographs with the nation, first through the online and community exhibition, and now through this new publication."

The cover image 'Melanie' was taken by Johannah Churchill. "I took this photograph of my colleague Melanie wearing PPE in clinic. We are both nurses working in south west London. Melanie had been readying essential infection control procedures for the opening of the Covid Clinic that week." The Duchess, wearing a blue Boden cardigan, spoke with Johannah last November about the captivating image. Kate described it as "really moving", adding, "It's very emotive. I think it's really touched everybody."

A striking hand-painted mural of Melanie was displayed in Manchester’s Northern Quarter as part of the Hold Still community exhibition.

Posters from the exhibition can be purchased on the National Portrait Gallery's online shop for £15. It appears the new image of Kate was taken by Matt Porteous in 2020 as part of the set of images the Cambridges' Christmas card was from.

The Duchess wore a red jumper, jeans and her Marguerite blouse by Sézane.

Kate accessorised with her Daniella Draper Cupid hoops (with thanks to Laura). 

Kate's camera is a Fujifilm X-T3 in silver and black. It's available at John Lewis and Best Buy. 

In the UK, as an impressive vaccination programme continues apace, we are cautiously unlocking the doors of restrictions. Like so many of you, I'm looking to brighter days ahead with cautious optimism. Wherever the next steps of this journey take us, it is vital we remember all those who gave so much over the past year. 

Hold Still: A Portrait Of Our Nation in 2020 will be released on 7 May and is available for pre-order on the National Portrait Gallery website. Customers will receive a free poster of their choice from the exhibition.

It's also available at the Book Depository and Bookshop.org.