‘There is not one photograph that does not look at one that is loved’
Lemin Sissay, Hold Still
Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales and Patron of the Royal Photographic Society, published a book of photographic portraits in 2021 with support from the National Portrait Gallery, Mind and the Co Op. Hold Still is a curated collection of portraits made by the public during lockdown and the Covid pandemic.
‘Hold Still’. That’s what we often say to a loved one when we want to take their photograph. It is also the book’s chosen title because that’s exactly what the British people always do in times of adversity. They show stoicism and dignity. They keep their nerve. They get through it. They hold still.
‘Through Hold Still, I wanted to create a lasting record of what we were experiencing’ HRH says in the book’s introduction. It’s a wonderfully touching and enriching book about humanity in challenging times and I’d encourage you to have a look.
At 6 pm last night, the Princess of Wales announced details about her health. Just as the internet was being flooded by crackpot conspiracy theorists fervently asking ‘Where’s Kate?’, we now know that the Princess of Wales was once again having to ‘hold still’, but this time in the face of her own devastating health news.
This comes at a time when the King is himself undergoing similar health issues.
Of course, the Royal Family will still be mourning the recent loss of that consummate professional at being able to ‘hold still’ in any situation, however ignoble the protagonist: the late Queen.
Britain is also currently being asked to hold still with a very different type of King, as we all come to terms with the sad passing of Si King’s Hairy Biker partner, Dave Myers (who, in some of the more bizarre experiences of my life, I have twice been mistaken for. Maybe I should have been his onion-chopping stunt double).
Whatever sits on our heads – crowns, tiaras, or if we are just very hairy – this will affect half of us. This includes my own family. To all of you out there affected by this disease, my close friends who have, or are still going through, tough times either for themselves or loved ones: Hold Still. You are in our thoughts.
Once again a touching piece of writing, even in times of adversity we can still find love and kindness.