Kate Middleton Left Rare Personal Comments on Her Followers’ Instagrams

Kate Middleton personally commented on Instagram submissions to the public photography project she launched in May, called "Hold Still."

fakenham, england june 18 catherine, duchess of cambridge talks to martin and jennie turner, owners of the fakenham garden centre in norfolk, during her first public engagement since lockdown, on june 18, 2020 in fakenham, united kingdom the garden centre is near her anmer hall home and, as a keen gardener, the duchess wanted to hear how the covid 19 pandemic had affected the family run independent business, which first opened in 1984 photo by aaron chown wpa poolgetty images
(Image credit: WPA Pool)

Kate Middleton's getting personal on social media! In a rare move for the Duchess of Cambridge, she commented on a series of Instagram entrants to her public photography project about the coronavirus pandemic, titled "Hold Still." Kate launched the project in May, alongside the National Portrait Gallery, calling for the British public to capture their own experiences of the pandemic.

As People reports, she personally commented on eight Instagram posts, signing each message, "C" (Kate actually prefers to go by Catherine these days.) Read all her messages below! 

On the above photograph of a Londoner named Ben on his allotment, Kate commented, "Thank you so much for taking part in the Hold Still project. I get so much joy from being outside and gardening too. C."

On a snap of an NHS nurse named Christine, Kate wrote, "Thank you so much for sharing your story and for the amazing work you all continue to do at such a difficult time. C."

Kate called a photo of a woman and baby waiting at their window for a socially-distanced window "an amazing image," adding, "thank you for taking part! C."

The Duchess of Cambridge also responded to a photo of an entrant's parent in the garden shed, writing, "Thank you for sharing your story. This time has really enabled us to stop, think and reminisce. C."

On a photo of a young girl slumped over her desk while being homeschooled, Kate wrote, "My children will very much relate to this! Thank you for taking part and sharing your story! C."

As People reports, she also commented on a since-deleted photo of a young girl named Elodie who took a photo of her grandparents to the park to see the ducks, writing, "Such a great image and a very moving story. C."

Kate responded to a photo of a toddler blowing the seeds off a dandelion, commenting, "A perfect example of Hold Still…the chance to re-engage and value the simple things around us. C."

And she commented on a photo taken by a 4-year-old of an at-home haircut, writing, "I love this! What a budding photographer!"

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

subscribe here

RELATED STORIES

kate middleton young childhood blonde hair

(Image credit: @kensingtonroyal)
Emily Dixon
Morning Editor

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.

Latest in Celebrity
Jonathan Davino in a blue shirt and gray blazer and Sydney Sweeney in a black and white patterned dress at the InStyle and Kate Spade dinner in October 2018
Sydney Sweeney Deletes Instagram of Fiancé Jonathan Davino, Further Fueling Breakup Rumors
Meghan Markle in a beige shirt on stage at SXSW in March 2024
Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow Open Up About Their "Rift" Over Pie
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Queen Camilla has blonde hair and is wearing a dark green shirt dress
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Benny Blanco in a purple shirt with a white tank top underneath and Selena Gomez in a black dress backstage at The Tonight Show in March 2025
Selena Gomez Says She’s "Excited" to Become a Mom Someday in Joint Interview with Benny Blanco
Meghan Markle wears blue denim jeans
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
Latest in News
Bella Hadid walks into a studio wearing an oversize leather jacket with a pair of capri leggings and ballet sneakers
The Ballet Sneaker Trend Is Bella Hadid's Undisputed It-Shoe of 2025
Keke Palmer in a brown cutout dress and long copper hair
Keke Palmer Returns to the Dark Side With Deep Espresso Hair
Jonathan Davino in a blue shirt and gray blazer and Sydney Sweeney in a black and white patterned dress at the InStyle and Kate Spade dinner in October 2018
Sydney Sweeney Deletes Instagram of Fiancé Jonathan Davino, Further Fueling Breakup Rumors
Jennifer Lawrence
The Jennifer Lawrence-Approved Adidas Sneakers Everyone's Talking About Are Secretly On Sale at Nordstrom
Selena Gomez visits the SiriusXM Studios on March 25, 2025 in New York City wearing a snakeskin blazer and jeans.
Selena Gomez Proves Skinny Jeans Are Cool Again With Khaite's $680 Benny Belt
Meghan Markle in a beige shirt on stage at SXSW in March 2024
Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow Open Up About Their "Rift" Over Pie