Kate Middleton Wins ‘Oscars of the Magazine World’ for Her Cover Photo
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, can now call herself an award-winning photographer as her photo of her mother-in-law, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, won the title of Cover of the Year from the Professional Publishers’ Association (PPA) Awards in the UK.
The Princess of Wales has been known as an enthusiastic photographer for several years as she previous photographed her own official royal baby portraits and in 2019 was made patron of the Royal Photographic Society, taking over from Queen Elizabeth.
Her love of photography predates even her time in college when she took photos for her family’s business Party Pieces, but her university dissertation was on the photographic representations of childhood created by Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland.
Now, Middleton can add what is being described by Country Life as the “Oscars of the magazine world” to her accolades, as her photo of her mother-in-law which was used on the cover of the magazine last July has won the PPA’s Cover of the Year, 2023.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all who voted — it’s the only award voted for directly by readers — and also, of course, to HRH Catherine, Princess of Wales, who took the photograph!” Country Life Magazine writes in celebration.
As detailed in a PetaPixel report from last year, the photo shows the Duchess of Cornwall in her garden beside a basket of flowers. Another image, not shared by Country Life, is a candid picture of Camilla walking through the gardens, which is described as her “Wiltshire retreat.”
As reported by In Style, Camilla was asked by Country Life to guest edit the issue and it was she that selected Middleton to take her photo.
“This cover was crucial in setting the tone and becoming the centre piece for what became the fasting selling issue in Country Life‘s history,” the PPA judging panel says. “Not only did the cover help sell more magazines, boost engagement on social media and clicks to the website, it’s a perfect snapshot of what was a in fact a compelling and gritty issue.”
Correction: This article originally stated that the award was given by the American organization Professional Photographers of America. It has been corrected to state that it was awarded by the British Professional Publishers’ Association. We apologize for the error.
Image Credits: HRH The Duchess of Cornwall photographed at Raymill, Wiltshire by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. For Country Life magazine special guest edit to mark HRH The Duchess of Cornwall’s 75th birthday.
