Kate joins children for photography workshop as she’s named patron of Royal Photographic Society

The Duchess of Cambridge joined excited schoolchildren for a photography workshop this afternoon as it was announced she has been named as the new patron of the Royal Photographic Society.

Kate, 37, who is a keen amateur photographer, has succeeded the Queen as the figurehead of the body, which was officially supported by the monarch for 67 years.

The duchess was dressed perfectly for summer, sporting a paisley print dress in shades of green and brown with floaty sleeves and a tiered hem, which is bang on trend for this season.

She teamed her gown with her Castaner ‘Carina’ tan wedge espadrilles, while her bouncy brunette locks fell about her shoulders in its signature curls.

Kate kept her make-up and jewellery to a minimum, opting for just her engagement and wedding rings and a pair of dangly earrings by Catherine Zoraida. 

The workshop was run by the Royal Photographic Society and Action for Children – another of Kate’s patronages – in a children’s centre in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London.

She joined young people from Action for Children – which supports disadvantaged youngsters from across the UK – in several sessions, run with Royal Photographic Society honorary fellows Jillian Edelstein and Harry Borden.

During the workshops, the enthusiastic students learned about various elements of photography such as portraits, light and colour.

Beaming Kate joined young people from Action for Children – which supports disadvantaged youngsters from across the UK – in several sessions, run with Royal Photographic Society honorary fellows Jillian Edelstein and Harry Borden

Kate kept her jewellery to a minimum, opting for just her engagement and wedding rings and a pair of dangly earrings

Alongside developing new skills, the workshop is intended to highlight how photography provides a universal language for young people to express themselves and release their thoughts and feelings.

Kate has been widely praised for her photographic portraits of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

She has documented milestones in their life such as birthdays and first days at nursery which have been published to mark the occasions.

Some of the most recent images include three pictures of Louis released when he celebrated his first birthday on April 23.

Kate teamed her gown with tan seude espadrille wedges, while her bouncy brunette locks fell about her shoulders in its signature curls

London-based award-winning photographer Bronwen Sharpe praised Kate’s natural ability to capture ‘authentic unstaged moments’.

She previously told FEMAIL:  ‘No other photographer would be able to capture the same connection she has with her children. There is a real warmth and love that is present in her work.

‘She has a natural ability to capture humanity with a great eye for composition and colour.’

Mike Taylor, the prestigious society’s chief operating officer, said: ‘It is a huge honour to have the duchess as our patron, especially given her personal interest in photography.

‘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.’  

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853 with the aim of promoting the art and science of photography, and in the same year received royal patronage from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

The Society has over 11,000 members and runs an extensive programme of more than 300 events throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. 

Kate was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Photographic Society in January 2017.