Duchess Catherine receives 'new title' after photography project captures hearts

Duchess Catherine has been given the new title 'real-life princess' from a young girl who had her image selected by the Duchess for a photography exhibition.

• The Duchess of Cambridge launched a digital exhibition of photographs taken during the coronavirus pandemic.
• A five-year-old girl who has been shielding had her image picked and has spoken about 'Princess' Kate.
• In other royal news, a royal change could be coming for Sophie Wessex's son James.

Why has Duchess Catherine been given a new title?

While she hasn't been given an official new title, Duchess Catherine has been given the informal title of 'real-life princess.'

ITV's royal correspondent Chris Ship spoke to five-year-old girl Mila about how the Duchess chose her image to be included in the 100 picked.

Speaking on ITV's Royal rota, he said: "Kate is what you might call a 'real-life princess'."

Little Mila told Chris: "There's a real-life princess who picked my picture and the Queen knows about everything.

"Everyone in this whole entire world will see my picture."

While producer Lizzie Robinson added: "She summed that up pretty well, didn't she?"

Over 31,000 people submitted their image entries, with entrants varying from four to 75 years old.

In a statement, the Queen said: "It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to look through a number of the portraits that made the final 100 images for the Hold Still photography project.

"The Duchess of Cambridge and I were inspired to see how the photographs have captured the resilience of the British people at such a challenging time.

"Whether that is through celebrating frontline workers, recognising community spirit or showing the efforts of individuals supporting those in need."

The project is part of the National Gallery which Kate is a patron of.

The museum said: "Featured here in this special digital exhibition, the final 100 present a unique and highly personal record of this extraordinary period in our history.

"From virtual birthday parties, handmade rainbows and community clapping to brave NHS staff, resilient keyworkers and people dealing with illness, isolation and loss.

"The images convey humour and grief, creativity and kindness, tragedy and hope – expressing and exploring both our shared and individual experiences."