It’s no secret that passing down traditions and possessions is something that most royal families practice.
The British monarchs are no exception. Recently, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton just received a rather fitting duty inheritance from her grandmother-in-law, the Queen herself.
New Patronage
After holding the position for 67 years, Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly passed on her patronage of the Royal Photographic Society to the future Queen consort last month. According to a press release on the transfer, the new position fits Middleton’s long-standing interest in the subject of photography.
It was also stated that the Duchess will focus on the positive impacts that creativity and art have on young people’s emotional well-being.
Officially the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, the organization was established in 1853 making it one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
As its name implies, the organization was created with the primary goal of promoting photography as an art and as a science. It received royal patronage from then rulers Queen Victoria and Prince Albert the same year it was founded.
And it looks like the Duchess is settling in well in her new position. She was recently photographed attending one of the organization’s workshops for children. There, she got to interact and watch kids learn about the various elements of photography.
Fit for the Role
In the end, the decision seems to have been a wise one as the Duchess is a great fit to be the organization’s patron.
Aside from having the educational background, having studied art history while she was in university, Middleton appears to also have the creative knack for photography.
It can be remembered that instead of hiring professional photographers, the mother of three decided to take portraits of her own children herself. She’s done this numerous times with the latest set being that of Princess Charlotte on the occasion of her fourth birthday.
Not to mention, the Duchess has also been serving as a patron of the National Portrait Gallery since 2012, and the Victoria and Albert Museum since 2018. It’s also worth noting that she is the latter museum’s first ever royal patron.
Interest in the Arts
But the Duchess isn’t the only member of the royal family to show interest in the arts. Her father-in-law and future king Prince Charles has recently visited the James Bond film set.
This is part of his responsibilities as a patron of the British Film Institute and Intelligence Services. During the tour, the monarch got to meet actor Daniel Craig, who’s currently playing the iconic British secret agent.
Meanwhile, sister-in-law Meghan Markle serves as the patron of the National Theatre, a position that was also once held by the Queen. Like Middleton’s assignment, it appears that Markle’s appointment is fitting as well given her background as an actress before marrying into the royal family.
