The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Fitzwilliam Museum today to see their first official joint portrait - and our photographer was there to capture their reaction.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, arrive at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
William and Kate were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, on what is Cambridgeshire County Day - a celebration day for the county to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that includes a major event at Newmarket Racecourse, with 6,000 people.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, arrive at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, arrive at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
Inside the University of Cambridge museum, the royal couple were taken to the portrait, which was painted by award-winning British artist Jamie Coreth, and marks the 10th anniversary of the couple receiving their royal titles.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge examine their first official joint portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge with Julie Spence and Luke Sysan, director of the museum. Picture: Keith HeppellThe portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: Keith Heppell
They also met Lady Sibyl Marshall - the wife of the late Sir Michael Marshall, who originally proposed the idea of the portrait.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge examine their first official joint portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, as the artist looks on. Picture: Keith Heppell
The piece was commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund, which is held by the Cambridge Community Foundation, as a gift to Cambridgeshire.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge examine their first official joint portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, as the artist looks on. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge examine their first official joint portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge with Julie Spence and Luke Sysan, director of the museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
It must have been a nervous moment for the artist, a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.
He painted the background with the tones and colours of many of the city’s historical stone buildings. The portrait also shows the hexagonal architectural motif that can be seen on buildings across Cambridge.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge examine the painting at the Fitzwilliam Museum with artist Jamie Coreth, who painted their portrait. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kate seemed to enjoy the occasion.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
And William, who has just turned 40, told the artist: “It's amazing.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duchess of Cambridge look at the portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
Delighted to see this new portrait unveiled at the @FitzMuseum_UK in Cambridge today!
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 23, 2022
Prince William with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellPrince William with the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellPrince William and the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duchess of Cambridge at the Fitzwilliam Museum with Luke Sysan, director of the museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
Outside, crowds gathered to witness the royal visit.
Crowds watch as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge vist the Fitzwilliam Museum. Picture: Keith Heppell
The duke and duchess took the time to meet schoolchildren from Soham Village College and the Shade Primary School.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Fitzwilliam Museum to see the portrait of them both . Picture: Keith Heppell. (57514668)The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to school pupils outside. Picture: Keith HeppellThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to school pupils outside. Picture: Keith Heppell
The royal couple went on to visit East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in Milton, of which Kate is royal patron, and Jimmy’s in Cambridge, to learn about its work with the homeless, before heading to Newmarket for the Cambridgeshire County Day.
