Cecil Beaton is one of the most popular royal portraitists and is responsible for some of the best known photographs of the Royal Family. However, over eighty years ago, he became the subject for a royal artist.
Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark married Prince George, Duke of Kent on 29 November 1934 at Westminster Abbey. The new Duchess of Kent quickly became one of the most fashionable women in British society, known for her eye for fashion and art.
Following the Duke’s tragic death in an aeroplane crash in 1942, the Duchess was forced to quickly adapt to raise their three young children by herself. However, she continued to stay involved in the art world.
In 1943, Princess Marina created a chalk and pencil portrait of Beaton. The simple portrait captures the artist’s sharp eye and strong profile, and provides an alternative interpretation of Beaton.
The portrait is now on display in the Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, running until 11 January 2026.
In addition to the Duchess of Kent’s portrait, Beaton’s portrait of Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday is on display, as are portraits of the Duchess of Kent, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother), Queen Elizabeth II, and the Duchess of Windsor.
