Canon user Kate Middleton becomes new patron of the Royal Photographic Society

(Image credit: Royal Photographic Society / Chris Jackson)

Kate Middleton, The Duchess Of Cambridge, has become the new Patron of the Royal Photographic Society, which has enjoyed Royal Patronage since 1853 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became Patrons. 

It is perhaps fitting that Kate was the first Royal Patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Her RPS patronage succeeds that of Her Majesty The Queen, who has been Patron of the Society since 1952.

While patronage hasn't traditionally equated to any implicit interest in photography from the monarch, in this case it's an appropriate fit as Kate is a keen photographer in her own right – her brand of choice being Canon equipment. 

"The Duchess of Cambridge has a longstanding interest in photography, and this patronage will further highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity can have on emotional wellbeing, particularly for children and young people," wrote Kensington Palace on Instagram.

Kate's fondness for photography first came to public light back in 2012 when her photographs of Borneo, shot on a Canon PowerShot G12, were released by St James's Palace. 

She also made headlines in 2015 when she took the first public photographs of Prince George and Princess Charlotte together, this time shot on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. 

Her new patronage was announced ahead of her visit to a photography workshop run by the Royal Photographic Society in conjunction with Action for Children – another of Kate's patronages, which is supporting its 150th anniversary this year.

“It is a huge honour to have the Duchess as our Patron, especially given her personal interest in photography," said RPS COO, Mike Taylor. "We know that photography and creative pursuits have such a positive impact for people of all ages, and we are excited to be working with one of the Duchess’s charities in support of their work.” 

Read more:

Royal Photographic Society sets up new home in Bristol
Royal Photographic Society Awards 2018: Nan Goldin set to get a Centenary Medal
The Royal Treatment: Joe Sene on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.