Duchess of Cambridge appeals to budding photographers to 'capture what life is like' in lockdown

The Duchess of Cambridge has said it's not too late for budding photographers to enter her Hold Still photography competition in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.

• Duchess Catherine has recorded a new video message appealing to photographers to submit photographs of what life in lockdown looks like for them
• The deadline for her latest 'Hold Still' project in collaboration with her patronage, the National Portrait Gallery, closes in just one week
• Her Royal Highness hopes to capture "the spirit, the mood, the hopes, the fears and the feelings" of the nation throughout the coronavirus crisis.
• It follows royal news that the Duchess appealed to those struggling with addiction to seek help

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has recorded a video message from her Norfolk home to encourage budding photographers to enter her Hold Still photography competition before the project closes next week.

The mum-of-three said, "There have been so many amazing entries to Hold Still over the last few weeks. From families up and down the country showing how they are adapting to life during lockdown, through to some of the most amazing NHS and social care staff who are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others.

"But it isn't too late to take part. So please take a moment to capture what life is like for you, because together I hope that we can build a lasting illustration of just how our country pulled together during the pandemic. I can't wait to share the final 100 images with you."

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Willing participants can still submit applications until 6pm on Thursday 18 June npg.org.uk/hold-still. The Duchess will then shortlist 100 portraits to feature in a digital exhibition hosted by the National Portrait Gallery.

Kensington Palace announced the passion project back in May and said Hold Still aims to capture "the spirit, the mood, the hopes, the fears and the feelings" of the nation throughout the coronavirus crisis.

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Speaking about sharing her passion for photography to This Morning's Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield, Catherine, 38, said "photographs have got an amazing ability to tell a story."

“I really hope that through a project like this we might be able to document a moment in time that we’re all experiencing," she explained.

“We’re going through some desperately hard times and those on the front line are really showcasing their hardship."