Just when we thought they’d forgotten, William and Kate have cemented a brand new tradition with a surprise move.
Almost 24 hours after the glittering State Banquet at Windsor Castle, held in honour of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a striking new portrait of them taken just before the gala event.
The last three State Visits had seen the couple release a formal photo of themselves ahead of the State Dinner but the event for the President of Nigeria had passed without any behind the scenes glimpse leaving a new tradition seemingly in question.
However, as day two of the Nigerian State Visit progressed, William and Kate revealed they did have a gala portrait taken, and ensured this special photo of them at one of the most important of royal events is here to stay.
The couple also underlined their diplomatic role in this State Visit by choosing a British Nigerian photographer to take the shot.
Christianah Ebenezer, whose work has been shown at the National Portrait Gallery, said it was an ”true honour” to take the photo.
The artist, who has talked before about taking inspiration from cinematography for her work, said ”blending our shared creativity with elements of classic portraiture and nature, the team worked seamlessly to capture this moment ahead of the Nigerian State Banquet – something I’m deeply humbled to have seen come together so beautifully”
The portrait showed Kate in a striking green dress by designer Andrew Gn which she paired with the creamy white pearl and diamond Lover’s Knot Tiara, making a nod to both colours on the flag of Nigeria. Earlier, the Princess of Wales had worn a coat dress by British Nigerian designer, Tolu Coker, to welcome President TInubu and his wife, Remi, to Windsor ahead of the official ceremonial start of the State Visit.
As they shared this brand new portrait, William and Kate said ”
