Duchess Kate photographed Holocaust survivors for Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Attend The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony

Here are some photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the UK Holocaust Memorial Day commemorative ceremony at Westminster Abbey yesterday. Yesterday was Holocaust Remembrance Day, and it was also the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Considering the event, it would be silly to focus on fashion, so I’ll just say that Kate looked mostly appropriate in a conservative grey frock with a black collar. I find the skirt a bit twee, but that’s Kate’s style. This is a repeat too – she wore this Catherine Walker coat-dress last year.

The ceremony was in remembrance for all of those who perished in genocides, so it was a non-denominational service. Kate and William also got a chance to meet with some British Holocaust survivors, including Yvonne Bernstein, the very small woman who is making Kate laugh in some of these photos. Kate had met Ms. Bernstein before – Kate took part in the Royal Photographic Society’s upcoming exhibition of photographic portraits of the Holocaust survivors who are still with us. Kate is a patron of the Royal Photographic Society, and she took portraits of Mr. Bernstein and Steven Frank. Kate posted the portraits on the Kensington Royal social media (see below).

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Attend The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Attend The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Attend The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony

View this post on Instagram

As part of the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, The Duchess of Cambridge has taken photographs of two Holocaust survivors with their grandchildren. The first photograph features Steven Frank with his granddaughters, Maggie and Trixie. Alongside his mother and brothers, Steven was sent to Westerbork transit camp then to Theresienstadt. Steven and his brothers were 3 of only 93 children who survived the camp – 15,000 children were sent there. The Duchess also photographed Yvonne Bernstein with her granddaughter Chloe. Yvonne was a hidden child in France, travelling in the care of her aunt and uncle and frequently changing homes and names. The Duchess said: “I wanted to make the portraits deeply personal to Yvonne and Steven – a celebration of family and the life that they have built since they both arrived in Britain in the 1940s. The families brought items of personal significance with them which are included in the photographs. It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in some way Yvonne and Steven’s memories will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation.” The portraits will form part of a new exhibition opening later this year by @holocaustmemorialdaytrust, Jewish News and @royalphotographicsociety , which will feature 75 images of survivors and their family members. The exhibition will honour the victims of the Holocaust and celebrate the full lives that survivors have built in the UK, whilst inspiring people to consider their own responsibility to remember and share the stories of those who endured Nazi persecution. Portraits ©The Duchess of Cambridge

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

View this post on Instagram

Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay, which takes place each year on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and honours survivors of the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Earlier this month, The Duchess of Cambridge met two Holocaust survivors, Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, as she took photographs for a project by @holocaustmemorialdaytrust, Jewish News and @royalphotographicsociety to mark 75 years since the end of the Holocaust. The Duchess’s photographs will be included in an exhibition of 75 images of survivors and their family members, which will open later this year. “The harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust, which were caused by the most unthinkable evil, will forever lay heavy in our hearts. Yet it is so often through the most unimaginable adversity that the most remarkable people flourish. Despite unbelievable trauma at the start of their lives, Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank are two of the most life-affirming people that I have had the privilege to meet. They look back on their experiences with sadness but also with gratitude that they were some of the lucky few to make it through. Their stories will stay with me forever.” – The Duchess of Cambridge Photographs © Kensington Palace

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

100 Responses to “Duchess Kate photographed Holocaust survivors for Holocaust Remembrance Day”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Chica71 says:

    Photos are nice, not Gordon Parks but thoughtful. Their facial expressions are off in public settings but beautiful and genuine with survivor.

    • Eliza_ says:

      For an amateur photographer, I think they’re great and very thoughtful. Light from the East, holding an object from their youth, showing their grandchildren – the generation that will carry their stories forward. Kate’s pictures usually do absolutely nothing for me, but these are much improved and well done.

      • Tessa says:

        Why must this solemn occasion have to be about Kate’s photographs. Seems like more promotion of her instead of the event. She is no professional photographer

    • BeanieBean says:

      I thought they were nicely done as well, in the style of the Dutch Masters.

    • hudson girl says:

      Yes, those photos look like 102 class level. Very amateur, but still better than 101 class level.

      Photos are just okay. They seem corny, heavy handed with too much focus on creating an overall dramatic image rather than offering an unpretentious view into truly seeing/knowing these important subjects.

      My grade B-

      • Nahema says:

        @Becklu, I agree it feels terrible to trash photos of holocaust survivors but photography is art and like any art, people will feel differently about it. We need to step back and remember opinions aren’t facts.

      • Bookie says:

        She’s grading Kate.

  2. Chica71 says:

    Did Kate get veneers lately? Teeth look Ivanka Trumpish

    • Tanguerita says:

      That’s your only takeaway from the post?

      • Seraphina says:

        It’s a gossip site. Sometimes we comment on fashion, looks and sometimes political views are discussed.

      • Tanguerita says:

        there are enough posts about Kate where her fashion and looks are discussed, but as Kaiser pointed out at the beginning of her post, “considering the event”. Have some respect.

      • Jane says:

        Police yourself, not others.
        I totally get people feeling snarky about Kate and these manufactured efforts to make her Quuenly.
        That said, it was a very nice initiative to photograph these people.

      • Tanguerita says:

        Sure, Jan… oh sorry, Jane.

      • Jane says:

        I don’t get it, what does that mean?

      • Becky says:

        Urban Dictionary:
        “Sure, Jan” is used when you can easily read a family or friend for the filthy liar they are. You say it when you obviously know they are lying but you don’t want to call them out in front of everyone. Phrase originated from A Very Brady Sequel.
        Marcia- “That’s funny, I’ve never heard of a George Glass at our skül”
        Jan- “That’s because he’s a transfer student. He came in the last week of school. He’s really good looking and thinks I’m really cool.”
        Marcia- “Sure, Jan.”

      • Chica71 says:

        Yes, this was the third article on Holocaust this morning. I get my hard news elsewhere..

    • Miumiiiu says:

      I think she got veneers at some point, judging by pics of her in undergrad years. Maybe you have a good eye and she recently replaced them. You have to replace them after 10-15 years , right ?

    • Jane says:

      Veneers for sure!

    • yinyang says:

      I think its lip fillers. Theres a difference in photos lately when she’s not smiling lip injections.

  3. Annie .. says:

    Actually, Kate was approached and asked to take some photos, and she is the one that got involved her patronage and that’s how it turned out in a future exhibition. Very well done.

    I love the photos, and how emotive they are. I also enjoyed seeing her and Yvonne having a good time and laughing together, both in the behind the scenes photos and yesterday at the service. It must be so inspiring to get to chat to people like her, so strong and resilient.

    I have nothing to complain about here.

    • BeanieBean says:

      I always like behind the scenes photos. Really like Kate’s work outfit I’m those.

    • Lady D says:

      @Annie.. Spend an hour a week at a senior’s residence. You’ll meet all kinds of amazing people just like her, and they will be so happy to see you. If you’re not sure where to start, ask to speak to the Activity/Recreation Director. I’m not working for another six weeks, so I’m there a lot. I volunteer to help with bingo or curling, sometimes horse racing, and bowling every week. If sports aren’t your thing, there’s bible study, choir group, an hour of reading out loud, travel club using books and films to visit. If you have a friendly cat or dog, it will bring them such joy. (Be warned, they will cry when they first see the pet.) It will really enrich your life, and you’ll be doing an incredibly kind thing just by talking to someone for 20 minutes.
      One hour a week.

      • David says:

        My partner had an odd life and grew up with she and her parents living and working in an assisted living home. You’re more appreciated than you will ever know.

    • sunny says:

      Good for her. This is an excellent thing to be highlighting and kudos to Kate’s team for getting something right here.

  4. SomeChick says:

    They’re good photos, and she seems to have a genuine connection with Ms Bernstein. (Perhaps she has an easier time interacting with people she’s met before? I certainly do.)

    Well done, Duchess Kate.

    (I also like the pic where FFKW is saying something and she’s looking at him. Nice one, unnamed Avalon Red photographer.)

  5. Alexandria says:

    I like this initiative and this is a fresh idea from her and/or her team. Good.

  6. Ravensdaughter says:

    She’s not a pro, but I admire Kate’s interest in photography and her skill. Her patronage here is entirely appropriate.
    I also like her dress. If I were younger and thinner, I would wear it!
    I want to hate them because of Suxxexit, but I only really hate William. Kate and the kids get a pass (especially Louis!-cutie…)

    • Alexandria says:

      You don’t have to hate them to call them out.

    • Tessa says:

      I think Kate caused some of the problem. There was gossip “leaked” from somewhere that Meghan “made Kate cry.” Why would Kate cry, sounds like Kate trying to make trouble for Meghan if this is true. If it is not then Kate should have issued a denial. Something off to me about Kate’s relationship with Meghan. Kate enables William so I blame them both.

  7. Belli says:

    This is exactly the sort of thing Kate should be doing more of (better late than never!). It’s a touching, small-scale project for an important event that plays to her interests and shows a more human side of her we’re not used to seeing. Whoever came up with the idea is in the right track.

    • GuestOne says:

      Exactly. Found her photos of the family in Pakistan more striking but a good project. Well done Kate.

      • Rapunzel says:

        Family in Pakistan? I missed that.

      • .whatever. says:

        @Rapunzel

        Yes, she took some beautiful pictures of a family that she met on the way back from visiting a glacier in the Hindu Kush mountains in Pakistan. I can no longer find them I think they were only available to view/publish for a limited time.

    • Jen says:

      Very much so. She got a lot more publicity for her patronage and the day than her normal “show up, wear a boring coat dress, nod and smile, leave.”

      The portraits weren’t mind-blowing, but they were nicely done for an amateur. This was a perfect engagement for her, I think.

    • Elisa says:

      @Belli: you summed it up perfectly, hopefully someone from her team is reading CB.

  8. Christine says:

    This is good work for Kate. She made it a bigger thing, the exhibit, and she raises awareness. See? It isn’t hard. Maybe she should do more photography to raise awareness. It seems a better fit.

    • Ali says:

      No one is saying she is making the event all about herself. Must be nice to do your job without people undermining you.

  9. Digital Unicorn says:

    Kate has always been a keen photographer and these are some of her better ones – someone really does have a fire up her butt about actually doing something worthwhile for her causes.

    I hope that this continues from BOTH of them as with the Sussex’s gone they can’t get away with just turning up and gurning for the camera like they have been.

    I think that once the Sussex’s launch their foundation the competition between both couples will intensify. The Sussex’s because they may feel they have something to prove and the Cambridges because they don’t like being outshone.

    • notasugarhere says:

      It looks like the notes/settings/lighting she stole from Annie L’s shoot didn’t go missing. Remember that covered up story, how Kate ran around getting all that info during the grandkid photoshoot. CopyKate strikes again.

      • windyriver says:

        I’m always interested in what you have to say, and often agree with your point of view.

        But, as an amateur photographer myself, I have no issue with Kate getting information, especially from a photographer like Annie. I’d do the same myself. Photographers learn from each other all the time. It’s more of a technical skill than people realize; a good camera isn’t like a cellphone. Especially true with respect to something like lighting. And if you read comments on photo websites, people are always asking each other what settings they used to take their pictures.

        I haven’t liked other pictures of Kate’s, but these seem very nice, and well composed. And it sounds like this turned into a more substantial project.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Annie didn’t give it up willingly. Kate ran around getting that info during that photoshoot, and taking her own photos of Annie’s sets. If you have a brain in your head, you do not do that to someone like Leibovitz.

      • Navywife231 says:

        It’s just killing you that people are saying nice things about Kate, huh?

      • windyriver says:

        Well, I’d agree that puts a different slant on things, especially if she was taking photos of the set ups and Annie really didn’t want her to. That’s definitely a step further than just asking questions about camera settings and lighting. I’m not a fan of Kate, and I wouldn’t put it past her to be an obnoxious client.

        My main point is I don’t believe there’s anything intrinsically wrong with learning new techniques and emulating styles from other photographers. That’s why so many of them run workshops and do YouTube videos, and most everyone admits being inspired by someone else before developing their own style.

        Copying Liebovitz’s set ups from a previous session wouldn’t necessarily help Kate with the ones for these pictures. It would for sure be an issue if it turns out someone else arranged the scene and all Kate did was snap the shutter. I’ve noticed from other Kate photos she does have some sense of composition. The shot of the gentleman and granddaughters is a lovely and well balanced picture. I personally would have reframed the shot of Yvonne so her granddaughter’s head wasn’t so close to the top of the frame, and Yvonne’s leg looks cut off in an odd way. Maybe that shows Kate definitely took that picture!

      • windyriver says:

        ETA: with respect to photographers running workshops, etc. – Annie Liebowitz has a series of lessons “Annie Liebowitz Teaches Photography” on MasterClass, which also has classes taught by Ron Howard, Thomas Keller, Steve Martin, Ken Burns, Serena Williams etc. It’s a series of videos, including Portrait Photography, Working with Light, Photographic Influences, and case studies (session with Alice Waters, shoot for Vogue Magazine). Her course has been up on MasterClass for a couple of years.

        This doesn’t change anything either of us said above, just an interesting sidelight.

        (BTW, the course Ron Howard does is especially good, IMO.)

      • Lexa says:

        @Nota Can you possibly source this story? I’ve never heard it before and I’m wondering if it came from a reliable source or if it’s largely heresay…? Based on the way you’ve described it, I’m also not convinced she wasn’t just taking behind the scenes photos of a cool photo shoot that was happening (with a famous photographer no less) that involved her kids and/or just taking personal snaps of the kids for herself/family?

    • A says:

      There are times when I feel William and Kate do in fact shine and this is one of those examples. The other is the Chelsea Flower Show garden. Kate did have a panel of people to help her out, but it was pretty obvious that she was quite involved, and with the appropriate experts to keep her on focus, the result was really fantastic. And William, to his credit, does actually manage to connect to people when he wishes to–his visit to the victims of the Christchurch attacks was a fine example of that very thing. He can be quite engaging and kind when he makes the decision to be.

  10. HK9 says:

    She’s done a great job here. I like it when she gets a chance to show her interests without the overbearing presence of Will. She too has something to offer other than being pretty. Well done.

  11. Cidy says:

    This was very well done from Kate.

  12. Mirage says:

    Not normally a fan of Kate but I love this initiative and the photos. She seems super engaged and sincere.

  13. Hollz says:

    That picture of her laughing with Yvonne over the laptop is perfect. She needs to let that side show more.

    Kudos to whoever came up with this idea – especially if it was Kate herself!

  14. teehee says:

    I’m sure the lighting was all set up by pros.

    I find it so suspicious how the bad press has immediately halted and now the good press is on overdrive.

    How nicely fitting. So convenient.

    They were behind this negative drumming all along.

    • Mac says:

      What difference does it make who set up the lights? And do you really expect negative coverage of Holocaust Memorial Day?

  15. Aims says:

    I think it’s lovely. No snark from me..

  16. Normades says:

    Nice pictures but lighting/editing was probably done by professionals.

    At any rate this is a good more humanizing look for her.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Yeah – in the past when she’s released photo’s of the kids indoors you can tell the lighting hasn’t been great (a know a few pro photographers and this came from them). The lighting in these shots are professional level so I would assume she worked with people who know what they are doing.

      • Some chick says:

        Yeah, and you placed an apostrophe wrong, and made a typo. Too bad you aren’t working with a professional editor!

        Nitpicking her over taking part in a group project with professional lighting is just silly. No doubt the set and lighting were available for everyone. (For one thing, it gives a consistent look.)

        Many photographers work with lighting techs.

        It takes nothing away from the photos.

        Let’s not nitpick Kate as people do to Meghan. There, I said it.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Stealing the work (set-up, lighting, staging) of a professional photographer like Annie Leibovitz, trying to copying what she did, putting it forward as your own work. That’s not nitpicking; that’s pointing out Kate CopyKating again.

      • Ash says:

        How is working with lighting professionals, as DU correctly pointed out probably took place here, stealing/putting something forward as one’s own work? Even the most professional of photographers have lighting assistants who are generally not named in the final product.

        What’s next: she also stole from the set dressers because the subjects in the photographs have tables, chairs etc. that she personally didn’t put there?

        Maybe keep your criticism to when it’s justified – which is frequently, but this one comes off a bit unhinged.

      • Elisa says:

        This thread is funny and weird. 🙂 IMO Kate should absolutely continue to work with professionals, be it for excellent lighting or for getting expert input to her projects (I’m thinking of a certain survey…). This will make her life easier and she will actually get a lot more done.

      • windyriver says:

        @Ash, I agree @nota is a little off base here. Even if Kate made a pest of herself with Liebowitz, and tried to duplicate facets of the shoot, it’s not the direct equivalent of plagarism. It’s not like copying Diana’s dresses. And the set ups don’t look the same, from the pictures I’ve seen.

        Personally, I think Kate’s lighting is much darker than what Annie uses; with the fruit bowls and other props, it’s more reminiscent of old master paintings.

        I looked at the MasterClass video I mentioned above, where Liebowitz (and her four assistants) did a session with Alice Waters. First, she looked for inspiration, and found an old Julia Margaret Cameron photograph of a young woman in a filmy white dress, against a background of heavy foliage. And Liebowitz photographed Alice Waters – in a filmy white dress, against a foliage background (with touches of her own). Is that copying, or inspiration?

        We don’t really know how much these pictures reflect work by Kate (lighting done by others, etc.), but that she got photography information from a shoot with Annie Liebowitz, doesn’t mean anything either way.

      • Nic919 says:

        If she had the help of professionals with the lighting then they should get credit for it. But the media tends to over praise Kate for everything even she’s had a lot of help, the garden being another example. The media articles about the photos have focused way more on Kate deigning to take photos of the peasants and how wonderful she is as opposed to the actual heroes, the holocaust survivors. The BBC article was pretty bad in barely talking about the subjects and what they survived and instead praising Kate.

  17. Linda says:

    This is such a heartwarming endeavor. Kudos to Kate.

  18. MeghanNotMarkle says:

    No complaints here. Nicely done.

  19. yinyang says:

    Such a sombre meeting, I heard a few stories on a netflix doc, it’s so terrible what happened.
    How “humans” can be accountable for such horrific acts, I wouldn’t be laughing.

    Kates outfit looks nice thanks to our money and so does her new lip fillers, you’re welcome Kate.

    • Becklu says:

      The survivor is making her laugh. They clearly have a connection and the fact that someone who survived such a horrific thing has still has joy and can make people laugh is inspiring.

      I will never understand how people can attack people for forming human connections and highlighting the value of human connection.

      This is a great initiative full stop.

  20. Kyle says:

    I toobelieve the lighting was set up by a pro and also believe the composition was set up by a pro. I seem to remember when that famous woman photographer did a photo shoot of the queen and her grandchildren and it was leaked that after it was set up Kate began taking shots with her camera. The photographer was pissed. Needless to say after this was leaked Kate’s photos never saw the light of day

    • yep says:

      I find difficult to believe that the photographer was pissed. For what? As an amateur I would do exactly the same, I always try to learn from the pros I meet. Probably those pics where not meant to be published at all, but to end in her family private collection. Why do we always need to find controversies?

    • notasugarhere says:

      Yes, Annie Leibovitz. CoypKate stole her settings, lighting, set up etc. that day. It is one thing to learn from studying a master, another to simply copy all of their settings and claim as her own.

  21. Snappyfish says:

    I agree. It was a lovely & touching project. Beautifully done.

  22. Sass says:

    Kaye has always had a good eye. I say this as someone who does photography gigs for extra money. I’ve always liked her work. I actually like her look here too though the collar is a bit juvenile. Still cute. She should do more things surrounding photography.

  23. carmen says:

    Does anyone know if the instagram posts are always written by pr people or do the royals themselves ever write them. I noticed that parts of the above posts are in the first person & wondered if Kate actually contributed or if she was just quoted in them.

  24. Sofia says:

    I feel like this is her best work in terms of photographs. No complaints from me especially considering the event

    Projects like these would be good for. Focus on an event, make a project out of that and move on.

  25. MellyMel says:

    She should do more of this.

    • Lady D says:

      She should do more of everything. She is the FFQC, she shouldn’t get to pick and choose what she wants to do or excel in. She has the whole country to consider, not just her pet projects. The Queen loves her horses, and she spends time with them every day, but still manages to do her job. Kate puts out a project, big or little and then coasts for 3-5 months on the results. The question should be why isn’t she doing so much more of this?

    • A says:

      She has vastly improved on her photography. People still scoff at it and all, but I think she’s actually interested in it to some degree and she’s still an amateur, but she’s gotten much better from her early days. So good for that.

  26. Other Renee says:

    This is a wonderful project and the photos are beautiful. Kudos to all involved especially Kate.

  27. Kyle says:

    Yep I believe it is because the work put in setting up and arranging the shot is creative work that belongs to the artist. Kate was not invited to participate but took it upon herself to intrude on the shoot. This is a pet peeve of mine appropriating someone else’s work

  28. liriel says:

    That’s her thing and I love that she really is working and you see she is passionate about her photography.

  29. Miriam says:

    The pictures were too dark, I like this and it shouldve happened before! It wouldve been great if this was an annual thing to celebrate different things from holocaust survivors to kids from her EACH charity that survived illnesses but unfortunately that would be too much to ask of keenkate🙄

    There’s not much imagination behind the black&white behind the scenes pictures as its so predictable & similar to Meghan’s smartworks project. They could’ve at least shared a video interview sharing the survivors stories

    • A says:

      I think the intent behind the staging is to convey a sense of solemness and gravity. The Holocaust was a horrific tragedy. These people treasure their lives every day, but with the knowledge that they survived when others didn’t and have a responsibility to ensure that their history is remembered.

  30. Carrie says:

    Weird. Millions of Jews died because of complicit silence. Photographed by someone who has been, and continues to be, complicit in her silence.

    • Gabby says:

      You are surely not trying to compare Meghan and Harry’s issues to the Holocaust.

    • Cirien says:

      Are you seriously comparing Kate to the Nazis??? ARE YOU. Funny how no one on this hell site has pointed out that the Sussexes posted nothing for HMD. Funny that

  31. A says:

    The photos are nice enough, and it’s good to have Kate participate in something like this. But I find it interesting how the press hasn’t torn her to shreds about her participation. How interesting that this is a good thing for Kate. How no one says that she’s “showing off” by doing this. How she’s not “insincere” or “fake” for wanting to display her pictures at the exhibition. What type of reception would Meghan had received for doing the exact same thing?

    • Lexa says:

      You find it interesting the press isn’t tearing her to shreds for photographing Holocaust survivors and helping expand the photography project created in honor of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz…? I get what you’re trying to say here about Meghan’s treatment and double standards but I’m not sure that comparison is fair here, given the subject of this particular project?

  32. mash says:

    A legit question, is the end of the transatlantic slave trade of Africans, celebrated in Britain as well and honored by the BRF?

    • Bohemian Angel says:

      NO… there is no acknowledgment to do with the end of the slave trade of Africans here in Britain and definately not by the BRF.

  33. Sophie says:

    What a great idea.

  34. Nikki* says:

    Of all the things she’s tried, I think this is one of her best. I loved the humility and the humanity of her statement, and the photos were powerful.

  35. Mads says:

    This is a good project for her and in her comfort zone. Changing the subject slightly, I watched the video of her and William at the stage where the second and third pictures above were taking. Man, she gave him some serious side eye. There are some serious issues with those two.