A Royal Collection Acquisition: H.R.H. The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal

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St James's Palace, London — 27 September 2018 RCIN 2119724 · RCIN 2119725 · RCIN 2119726

I am profoundly honoured to share that my three portraits of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, photographed in his ceremonial uniform as Field Marshal, have been accepted into the Royal Collection — among thirteen works from my non-profit archive now held within that historic institution. To have these images preserved in the nation's foremost royal collection is the highest honour the Soldiery project has yet received.

The sitting took place at St James's Palace in 2018. As one of the most senior members of the Royal Family, the Duke's military career spans more than two decades, beginning at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and his commission into the Royal Scots Greys. His Royal Highness arrived with quiet dignity, fully attuned to the meaning of the moment. I was struck by his composure — a quality that resonates in the final portraits, from the gleam of his medals to the poised grip of the Field Marshal's baton.

My aim was never a mere ceremonial likeness, but to evoke the spirit of duty: the weight of experience, the grace of command, and the long continuity of the Crown's relationship with the Armed Forces. The resulting work stands as both an artistic tribute and a historical document.

This portrait was made possible by the supporters of the Rory Lewis Non-Profit. Your donations meet the cost of producing and printing these archival portraits and placing them, without fee to the sitters, into permanent public collections. Your generosity is what allows me to continue this work alongside serving personnel and veterans. If you would like to support the archive, you can do so here: rorylewis.studio/non-profit.

You can view more of my work on my portraits page. Read more about the Duke of Kent at the Royal Family website and on Wikipedia.

A Portrait of Duty: H.R.H. The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal — Copyright © Rory Lewis Non Profit (Heroes in Focus), All Rights Reserved. The Heroes in Focus non-profit is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. EIN 33-2920765. Contributions are tax-deductible for US taxpayers to the extent allowed by law.