A Portrait of Duty: H.R.H The Duke of Kent as Field Marshal
Capturing the Essence of Royalty: The Duke of Kent's Memorable Encounters with Photographer Rory Lewis Military Archive
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. Posing in his ceremonial uniform as Field Marshal, the Duke stood as a 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 military career spans decades, marked by service, representation, and leadership. The opportunity to photograph him in this role was a moment of great significance—not just for me as a portraitist, but for the wider mission of my work through the Heroes in Focus Foundation, which seeks to preserve the stories of those who serve.
The sitting was both formal and deeply human. His Royal Highness arrived with quiet dignity, fully attuned to the significance of the moment. I was struck by his calm composure and sharp awareness—qualities that come through powerfully in the resulting portrait. Every detail, from his medals and insignia to the commanding staff in hand, reflects a lifetime of commitment to duty and country.
My intention was to create more than a ceremonial image. I wanted to capture the essence of service—the weight of experience, the grace of leadership, and the historical continuity of the monarchy’s relationship with the Armed Forces. This portrait now forms part of a growing archive within Heroes in Focus, preserving the legacies of military and service personnel through powerful visual storytelling.
The Duke of Kent’s portrait is not only a tribute to an extraordinary individual, but a reminder of the values that define a lifetime of public service: honour, loyalty, and unshakable resolve.
Coat of arms of the Duke of Kent
