In a big and exciting event for Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, their first portrait together was unveiled today. The Duke and Duchess travelled especially to the Cambridgeshire region to see the artist’s finished work.
The Royal Portrait Trust of Cambridgeshire, under the patronage of the Cambridge Public Trust, commissioned the couple’s portrait in 2021 from multi-award winning British artist Jamie Coret. The artwork is on display today at Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam Museum, where the characters appeared in person. The portrait is based on photographs from March 2020, taken during the monarchs’ visit to Dublin, when Kate Middleton stepped out in a sparkling green sequin dress, while Prince William wore a classic dark suit and blue tie.
‘It is an incredible privilege to have been chosen to paint this picture,’ says the author, ‘I wanted to portray Their Royal Highnesses in a way that made them look effortless and approachable, but also elegant and dignified. As this is their first portrait together, I wanted the image to convey a sense of balance between their private and public lives. This painting was commissioned as a gift for the people of Cambridgeshire, and I hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working on it.’
Later today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will meet the painting’s author Jamie Coret, as well as Lady Sybilla Marshall, wife of the late Sir Michael Marshall, who initiated the project. The couple will then take part in the first ever Cambridgeshire County Day celebrations and attend a number of official events at various charities, community and government organisations.
