**Duchess of Cambridge Visits London Hospitals and National Portrait Gallery**

The Duchess of Cambridge made a public appearance in London on Friday, following the release of her Hold Still photography book.

Kate’s day included a visit to the Royal London Hospital and the National Portrait Gallery’s archive, marking a significant milestone since the launch of the community project with the gallery a year ago.

During her visit to the Royal London Hospital in East London, Kate engaged with staff to understand how Barts Health NHS Trust’s Vital Arts Organisation uses art to enhance the patient and staff experience across the hospital network.

She took the time to speak with various healthcare workers about their challenges during the pandemic, expressing concern for the added pressures of Covid-19.

The Duchess was pleased to hear that morale remained high among the hospital staff and was shown poignant photographs captured by Barts Health NHS Trust employees documenting this historic period.

Earlier in the day, Kate playfully teased royal enthusiasts by sharing a video on the Cambridge’s Instagram account, showcasing her leaving a copy of the Hold Still book outside Kensington Palace for a lucky finder.

This gesture was part of a literary initiative called Hold Still, encouraging individuals to share books they love by leaving them in public spaces for others to discover.

A total of 150 copies of the book were strategically hidden across the UK by the Hold Still judging panel.

During her hospital visit, Kate admired Johanna Churchill’s striking photograph titled “Melanie, March 2020,” featuring a nurse in protective gear preparing a Covid-19 clinic.

The image, which also graces the cover of the Hold Still book, was transformed into a mural in Manchester and presented as a framed portrait to the Royal London Hospital by Kate and the National Portrait Gallery.

Impressed by the powerful storytelling behind the photographs, the Duchess commended Johanna’s humility in representing frontline workers.

Exploring the hospital’s art projects, Kate paused at a vibrant print by artist Kate Bryce, noting that her daughter Charlotte would appreciate it.

She shared a light-hearted moment as she picked up a book titled “Oh No George” by Chris Horton, joking that it was fitting and later accepting it as a gift for her son.

The Duchess radiated elegance in a red eponine coat from the brand’s AW18 collection and a camel-pleated skirt during her engagements in London.

Continuing her day, Kate visited the National Portrait Gallery’s archive, where director Nicholas Cullinan announced that the final 100 Hold Still images would be preserved in the Gallery’s national collection.

These photographs capture a unique snapshot of the nation’s history during an extraordinary period, ensuring their legacy for future generations.

The Hold Still book, supported by the Co-op, features images displayed on billboards and outdoor sites across 80 locations last October, with proceeds benefiting mental health charity MIND and the National Portrait Gallery’s community projects.

In conclusion, the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to London hospitals and the National Portrait Gallery not only highlighted the importance of art in healthcare but also celebrated the resilience and creativity of individuals during challenging times.

Kate’s interactions with frontline workers and her support for mental health initiatives underscored her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.