The Queen has released a message of support for the Hold Still photographic exhibition curated by her granddaughter-in-law, The Duchess of Cambridge.
In her letter, released early Monday morning, The Queen wrote that she was inspired by the project and the resilience of the British people who have been living through the difficulties of a global pandemic.
The Queen’s message reads:
“It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to look through a number of the portraits that made the final 100 images for the Hold Still photography project.
“The Duchess of Cambridge and I were inspired to see how the photographs have captured the resilience of the British people at such a challenging time, whether that is through celebrating frontline workers, recognising community spirit or showing the efforts of individuals supporting those in need.
“The Duchess of Cambridge and I send our best wishes and congratulations to all those who submitted a portrait to the project.”
Kate’s digital exhibition, Hold Still, was unveiled online at midnight Monday on the National Portrait Gallery’s website. The final 100 images were whittled down from 31,598 submissions, with the Gallery noting that people submitted images from “Oban in Argyll, Scotland to Delabole in Cornwall and from Belfast in Northern Ireland to Sheringham in Norfolk,” and that 650 of the submitted images were from schools across the UK.
Kate launched Hold Still in May, encouraging people in the UK to participate and share what their lives have been like during the pandemic, with the exhibit acting as a snapshot of our time.
According to The National Portrait Gallery’s website the final 100 images “present a unique and highly personal record of this extraordinary period in our history. From virtual birthday parties, handmade rainbows and community clapping to brave NHS staff, resilient keyworkers and people dealing with illness, isolation and loss. The images convey humour and grief, creativity and kindness, tragedy and hope – expressing and exploring both our shared and individual experiences.”
The Hold Still exhibition is currently digital, however there are plans—and hopes—to turn it into a touring physical exhibition once COVID-19 restrictions loosen. View the Hold Still digital exhibition by clicking here.
