A portrait of Prince William and Princess Kate has been moved to Peterborough Cathedral to make it more accessible to the public.
The painting, created by artist Jamie Coreth, was the first official joint portrait of the couple when they were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
It has now found a permanent home in Cambridgeshire’s cathedral city following confirmation from the county’s Lord Lieutenant.
Julie Spence, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, announced the decision on social media on Wednesday.
Princess Kate and Prince William portrait changes location in surprise move
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She wrote: “Our fabulous portrait of The Prince and Princess of Wales as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will now be on display @pborocathedral so it is easily accessible for our residents and visitors in the north of the county and they can enjoy it.”
The portrait was originally commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund, which is held by the Cambridge Community Foundation.
It was created as a gift to the people of the county and first unveiled in June 2022 at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
Since its unveiling, the portrait has toured community spaces across Cambridgeshire so that residents have had the opportunity to view it.
Jamie Coreth stood in front of his portrait in 2022
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Moving it to Peterborough Cathedral ensures that it will be on permanent public display in a central location.
The artist reflected on the work when William and Kate saw the portrait for the first time in 2022.
Mr Coreth said: “It has been the most extraordinary privilege of my life to be chosen to paint this picture.
“I wanted to show Their Royal Highnesses in a manner where they appeared both relaxed and approachable, as well as elegant and dignified.
Princess Kate and Prince William inspecting Jamie Coreth’s portrait in 2022
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“As it is the first portrait to depict them together, and specifically during their time as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, I wanted the image to evoke a feeling of balance between their public and private lives.
“The piece was commissioned as a gift for the people of Cambridgeshire, and I hope they will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed creating it.”
When William and Kate viewed the portrait three years ago, it was reported that both were pleased with the likeness and reception of the piece.
At the time of the portrait’s commission, William and Kate were formally styled as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Princess Kate wore an LK Bennett ‘Madison’ dress for the occasion
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Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne, and William became first in line to the crown.
As a result, the couple inherited the titles of the Prince and Princess of Wales, which they continue to use today.
The portrait will remain at Peterborough Cathedral, where it is expected to attract visitors from across the county and beyond.