A Portrait of Duty: H.R.H. The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal

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 All contributions to Heroes in Focus are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.

In 2018, I had the rare honour of photographing His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, in a portrait sitting that captured not only royal stature, but a lifetime of military service. Dressed in his ceremonial uniform as Field Marshal, His Royal Highness stood as a living symbol of dedication, discipline, and enduring legacy within the British Armed Forces.

As one of the most senior members of the Royal Family, the Duke’s distinguished military career spans decades—marked by service, representation, and leadership. The opportunity to photograph him in this role was a moment of deep significance—not only for me as a portraitist, but also for the mission of my non-profit, which is dedicated to preserving the stories and faces of those who serve.

The sitting was both formal and profoundly human. His Royal Highness arrived with quiet dignity, fully attuned to the meaning of the moment. I was struck by his composure and awareness—qualities that resonate powerfully in the final portrait. Every detail, from the gleam of his medals to the poised grip of his Field Marshal’s baton, speaks to a lifetime of service, honour, and leadership.

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 All contributions to Heroes in Focus are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.

My aim was to create more than a ceremonial likeness. I wanted to evoke the spirit of duty—the weight of experience, the grace of command, and the historical continuity of the Crown’s relationship with the Armed Forces. The resulting portrait stands as both an artistic tribute and a historical document—preserving a legacy of service that continues to inspire.

The Duke of Kent’s portrait serves not only as a testament to an extraordinary individual but also as a reminder of the values that define a life of public service: honour, loyalty, and steadfast resolve.