Kate, 34, made history this week by receiving the ultimate accolade for her photography skills with an honorary membership to the prestigious Royal Photographic Society.
Writing on the foundation’s Facebook page, Dr Michael Pritchard, chief executive of the RPS, said: “The Duchess of Cambridge has had a long-standing interest in photography and its history.”
“She is latest in a long line of royal photographers and the society is pleased to recognise her talent and enthusiasm through honorary membership.”
“We look forward to a continuing relationship with her.”
Over the years, the 34-year-old has released a handful of pictures to great acclaim, including a series of stunning shots from her tour of South East Asia and the South Pacific. Published on Kate and husband Prince William’s Facebook page the images included everything from a black and white still of an orangutan to a misty shot of Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu.
But Kate’s most recognisable shots are of course those of her two children – Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, one.
The first official photographs delighted royal watchers everywhere.
Kate’s photography is natural and candid which stands in stark contrast to the rigid and staged royal portraiture of yesteryear.
In 2015, Kate bucked tradition by becoming the first member of the royal family to take the official photographs of a royal baby when she took to the lens to produce the now-iconic shots of her newborn daughter Princess Charlotte.
The beautiful photos showed a tiny Princess Charlotte gently cradled in her brother’s loving arms.
To the excitement of royal watchers everywhere Kate has also released a handful of pictures to mark certain milestones in her children’s lives, including cheeky Prince George’s first day at nursery school and Princess Charlotte’s first birthday.
Talk about adorable! Kate released four darling photos of her baby girl in celebration of her first birthday.
Look at those pretty blue eyes…
The royal family released a statement with the beautiful collection of photos, writing, “The Duke and Duchess are very happy to be able to share these important family moments, ahead of their daughter’s first birthday. We hope everyone enjoys these lovely photos as much as we do.”
As a member of the RPS, Kate certainly sees herself in good company, joining a list of distinguished names including David Bailey, Sir Don McCullin and Annie Leibovitz – who has twice photographed the Queen.
While Kate is said to be “very pleased” with the accolade it seems some members of the public were less than impressed with the RPS’s announcement.
Taking to the comments section of the RPS’s Facebook announcement, commenters in their droves speculated that Kate may have received the honour simply because she “probably knows someone.”
Kate is quite the shutterbug! She’s often spotted with a camera in hand, particularly during her royal tours.
One commenter wrote, “Accolades should be earned, and not given away regardless of status.”
While another penned, “There are many 1000’s amateur photographers out there who would deserve this more.”
As for us, well – we can’t wait to see where this latest honour takes Kate!
