Kate Middleton is quite active on social media lately because she has been commenting on photo submissions for "Hold Still," the initiative that aims to capture the spirit of the U.K. in images amid this coronavirus pandemic.
In May, the Duchess of Cambridge asked the public to join her latest project by submitting photos of life in the frontlines, the homelines, as well as acts of kindness in this public health crisis. Over 100 photos will be chosen from the submissions for an exhibit set in August at the National Portrait Gallery's digital space.
Thousands have answered Kate's call and uploaded their photos with the hashtag #HoldStill2020 on Instagram. The Duchess of Cambridge has been leaving personalized comments to thank those who have shared their image captures and she has been signing her comments with "C" for Catherine.
One photo featured a little kid enjoying outdoor play and blowing on daffodils and Kate said that the image was "a perfect example" of what the project was about. She said in the comments that "Hold Still" showcases how people are re-learning and re-engaging with the many simple things in life in the midst of the lockdown.
In another photo, Kate remarked that she loved the image of a wife giving her husband a haircut, since barbershop and salons have been shutdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Kate also commended a photo of a mom and her baby looking out the window. The duchess said that the shot was simply amazing.
Kate has been using the Kensington Royal Instagram account to reach out to those who've joined "Hold Still." She said a week after the launch that they've been overwhelmed by the number of submissions as so many have stories to tell and powerful images to share.
The Duchess of Cambridge said she has the great honor of choosing which 100 photos will be up on the digital exhibit. The submissions, however, are still on-going until June 18. The actual exhibit will be up online in August. People are also welcome to write a few details about their photo submissions.
Meanwhile, Kate joined her mother-in-law, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Countess of Wessex in a check-in chat with the elderly who are vulnerable to the coronavirus crisis. The royal women took calls along with the Royal NHS Volunteer Responders to see how the old people are coping.
The U.K. is currently the fourth country in the world with the highest number of coronavirus cases and nearly 39,000 deaths since the pandemic affected the world population.
