Behind the Lens with H.R.H The Duke of Kent

LondonHistorical OfficeBritish ArmyBehind the Scenes
Written By RORY LEWIS

Today, I had the distinct honour of photographing His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, a man whose life has quietly mirrored the evolution of the modern British monarchy. The sitting took place at my London studio, and from the moment His Royal Highness entered, the atmosphere was one of calm dignity and timeless grace.

Throughout the session, The Duke displayed the poise and composure for which he is so well known. Each frame revealed the qualities that have defined his decades of public service — duty, humility, and quiet strength. It was a moment of stillness amid a life steeped in ceremony and history.

Behind the lens, I aimed to create not just a portrait, but a study of lineage and endurance — an image that would reflect both the man and the institution he represents. The lighting was intentionally restrained, allowing character and expression to take precedence over grandeur.

As the cameras rolled for the behind-the-scenes film, I found myself reflecting on how remarkable it was to work with someone who has stood witness to so much royal history. From his early years supporting Queen Elizabeth II to his continued service in countless charitable and military capacities, The Duke of Kent has been a quiet constant through eras of immense change.

The portrait sitting marked the beginning of what I hope will become a lasting contribution to the Heroes in Focus archive — a living record of those whose lives have shaped the British story.

Finished Portrait

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio
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