Finally celebrating in person!

Duchess Kate Shares Photos From Special Hold Still Gala Event

On Wednesday night, Duchess Kate hosted an event to thank those involved in her Hold Still photo project! The evening saw the Duchess of Cambridge talk to the various individuals she partnered with to bring her idea to life, as she hosted a special reception dedicated to its curation. See what the royal said about her soiree here!

Duchess Kate celebrated Hold Still in an exciting way on Wednesday evening! In May of 2020, the Duchess of Cambridge launched her lockdown-themed photo project, and now, she had a chance to host the various people who helped her bring it to life at Buckingham Palace for a special gala.

Duchess Kate comments on "the amazing power of photography"

Duchess Kate worked in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery to curate a special exhibition featuring the photos chosen that would be part of their gallery. Some of the finalists' pictures were turned into temporary art installations around the United Kingdom, including a giant mural of one of the photos. The project also became a photo book, with the Duchess of Cambridge teaming up with The Book Fairies UK upon its release to distribute copies around various locations in London.

"It took a long time to bring everyone behind this incredible project together in person but tonight we finally managed it," Kate wrote in her Instagram caption as she thanked all who were involved, mentioning that "the amazing power of photography" brought them together. She then talked about the unique circumstances surrounding Hold Still, saying that it is ultimately "the thousands of people across the country who took time to share their experiences of lockdown" who made the project exist.

Duchess Kate views archive photos alongside Curator Magda Keaney and Director of the National Portrait Gallery Nick Cullinan on May 7, 2021.

As Hello! mentions, the sparkly white blazer Duchess Kate wore to the event was designed by Karen Millen. Her white belted dress with a tulle skirt comes from the brand Self-Portrait— a fitting label choice for a night celebrating the royal's photography project. Kate has been heavily involved with Hold Still throughout its development, taking time to speak with some of the selected entrants on the phone and even paying a special visit to a young girl with cancer during her trip to Scotland earlier this year.