Country Life Wins Prestigious PPA Award with Kate’s Portrait of Queen Camilla

Country Life has made headlines as Meghan's photo was eliminated in the first round, while Kate's portrait took home the prestigious PPA Awards.

The Princess of Wales, Kate, is now receiving well-deserved congratulations for her delightful portrait of Queen Camilla, which secured the coveted prize.

The captivating photograph was captured in 2022 at Reynmull House, the Queen's picturesque rural retreat in Lacock, Wiltshire.

Kate's stunning photo not only graced the cover of a special royal edition of Country Life but also emerged victorious as the cover of the year in the PPA Awards.

The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) of the UK recently announced that Kate's picture of Queen Camilla, featured on the British magazine's cover last summer, clinched the top honor at the awards ceremony.

In response to the exciting news, Country Life took to Instagram to share their joy and extend a special shout-out to Princess Kate.

The magazine expressed their thrill at winning the prestigious title at the PPA Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the magazine world.”

The winning cover, from the July 13th, 2022 issue, was guest-edited by Queen Camilla during her time as the Duchess of Cornwall.

The achievement was celebrated with a heartfelt message from the team, acknowledging the readers' direct involvement in selecting the award winner.

The tribute also recognized Princess Kate's talent behind the lens, highlighting her passion for photography and her knack for capturing touching portraits, including those of her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.

On a contrasting note, the spotlight briefly shifted to Meghan Markle's photo with Prince Harry on a recent Time magazine cover, which resurfaced amidst discussions about its quality.

Speculations arose regarding Meghan's attempt to submit the photo to Country Life for an Oscar award, only to have it disqualified due to prior publication.

Critics pointed out similarities between Meghan's photo and an advertisement for hair care products, questioning her choice of photographers and the motives behind her submissions.

Allegations of imitating the Royal Family's success to garner attention were also raised, suggesting a pattern of behavior observed in previous instances.

Despite the controversy surrounding Meghan's photo, the focus remained on Kate's exceptional achievement with Queen Camilla's portrait, which garnered acclaim for its authenticity and charm.

The judges at the PPA Awards commended the cover for its record-breaking sales and positive reception among readers, marking a milestone in Country Life's history.

The process of creating the iconic cover, featuring Queen Camilla in a serene garden setting, was a collaborative effort led by Kate as the royal photographer.

The image, commissioned by Camilla to commemorate her 75th birthday, captured a radiant Queen Camilla in a blue and white floral ensemble, exuding grace and elegance in her Wiltshire retreat.

As the managing editor of Country Life, Paula Lester, reflected on the challenges of maintaining secrecy around Kate's involvement in the cover shoot, the success of the issue underscored the magazine's commitment to delivering compelling content.

The blend of artistry and storytelling in Kate's portrait resonated with audiences, reinforcing the timeless appeal of royal photography.