**Duchess of Cambridge Connects with Hold Still Project Finalists**

The Duchess of Cambridge recently engaged in heartfelt conversations with participants of her Hold Still Community photography initiative, ahead of the upcoming book launch scheduled for Friday.

Through clips shared on Prince William and Kate's new YouTube channel, viewers witnessed a touching phone call between the Duchess and Linda Sneddon, along with her four-year-old daughter, Mila, whose photograph was featured in the project.

The recorded call from autumn 2020 captured Kate making a touching promise to young Mila, assuring her that she would wear a pink dress when they finally meet.

This heartwarming interaction unfolded amidst the challenging circumstances faced by Mila's family, who had to make the tough decision to isolate from her father, Scott, and older sister, Jodie, to safeguard Mila's health during her chemotherapy treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The poignant image submitted by Linda depicted Mila kissing the window while her father stood outside, symbolizing the emotional distance they had to maintain for Mila's well-being.

During the phone call, Mila, full of innocence and curiosity, asked the Duchess about her attire, prompting Kate to respond with warmth, stating that she wasn't donning a princess costume at the moment.

Mila shared her love for dressing up in pink outfits, to which the Duchess expressed her intent to find a pink dress for their eventual meeting, ensuring that she would remember to wear it for Mila.

This exchange exemplified the personal connections fostered through the Hold Still project.

Launched in May 2020, Hold Still called upon individuals of all ages across the UK to submit photographs taken during the lockdown period, aiming to encapsulate the diverse emotions and experiences prevalent throughout the nation.

The project sought to capture the essence of the time, reflecting the collective spirit, hopes, fears, and sentiments of the people during a challenging period in history.