Kate Middleton has shared a sneak peek of her new photography book that depicts life throughout the pandemic ahead of its release on Friday.

The Duchess of Cambridge asked people across the UK to submit pictures they believed captured the ‘portrait of the nation’ during the Covid crisis.

The avid photographer then selected 100 images from over 31,000 submissions, which have now been featured in her book, named Hold Still. Additional images depicting the outdoor exhibition of Hold Still in October also feature.

The release tomorrow comes after sister-in-law Meghan Markle announced she had written a children’s book about a father and son relationship, inspired by Prince Harry and their son, Archie.

Meanwhile, the Queen has launched a line of beer, and a new flavour of gin.

Kate, who launched a YouTube channel with husband Prince William yesterday, said she wanted to use ‘the power of photography’ to ‘capture individuals’ and ‘document significant moments for families and communities’.

In the introduction, she writes: ‘When we look back at the COVID-19 pandemic in decades to come, we will think of the challenges we all faced – the loved ones we lost, the extended isolation from our families and friends and the strain placed on our key workers. 

‘But we will also remember the positives: the incredible acts of kindness, the helpers and heroes who emerged from all walks of life, and how together we adapted to a new normal.

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‘Through Hold Still, I wanted to use the power of photography to create a lasting record of what we were all experiencing – to capture individuals’ stories and document significant moments for families and communities as we lived through the pandemic.’

The mother-of-three continues: ‘For me, the power of the images is in the poignant and personal stories that sit behind them. 

‘I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to some of the photographers and sitters, to hear their stories first-hand – from moments of joy, love and community spirit, to deep sadness, pain, isolation and loss.

‘A common theme of those conversations was how lockdown reminded us about the importance of human connection and the huge value we place on the relationships we have with the people around us.

‘Although we were physically apart, these images remind us that, as families, communities and as a nation, we need each other more than we had ever realised.’

She concludes by thanking the thousands of people who took the time to submit images, telling them: ‘Your stories are the most crucial part of this project.

Kate’s book, created in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, will be available in UK bookshops and online from May 7.

Meanwhile, thd Duchess of Sussex’s children’s book, illustrated by Christian Robinson, will be published on June 8. 

Meghan, who is expecting her second child, said it came from a poem she wrote for Harry on Father’s Day, the month after their son Archie was born.

She said: ‘Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this representation was particularly important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.

‘My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.’

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