During the Royally Obsessed podcast, royal experts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiortio discussed the fact Kate did not choose Sophie’s photo submission for her Hold Still project. The experts claimed Sophie was rejected despite being “the only royal relative that we know of to have submitted a photo”. Ms Bowie added the Duchess of Cambridge also did not select a submission from royal photographer Chris Jackson.
Ms Bowie said: “I also wanted to mention that Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was the only royal relative that we know of to have submitted a photo to Kate’s project, but her picture didn’t get chosen.”
Ms Fiorito interjected: “Ouch!”
Ms Bowie continued: “Neither did Chris Jackson’s for the record, he did come on our podcast and say he had submitted one.”
But the experts were quick to comment on why Kate may have chosen different pictures.
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Ms Fiorito replied: “What a nice show of support that they have submitted one.
“It would have felt a little too insider if Sophie’s did get picked.”
Ms Bowie added: “That is true it would have been a little bit of nepotism.”
31,598 portraits were reportedly submitted to Hold Still project.
“The Duchess of Cambridge and I were inspired to see how the photographs have captured the resilience of the British people at such a challenging time, whether that is through celebrating frontline workers, recognising community spirit or showing the efforts of individuals supporting those in need.”
The project has just been made freely available to view on the National Portrait Gallery’s website.
The museum said: “Featured here in this special digital exhibition, the final 100 present a unique and highly personal record of this extraordinary period in our history.
“From virtual birthday parties, handmade rainbows and community clapping to brave NHS staff, resilient keyworkers and people dealing with illness, isolation and loss.
“The images convey humour and grief, creativity and kindness, tragedy and hope – expressing and exploring both our shared and individual experiences.”
