The Princess of Wales, Catherine, stepped out today looking extremely elegant in a monochrome outfit to re-open National Portrait Gallery which went through a three-year-long extensive refurbishment. The patronage of the National Portrait Gallery is one of the earliest responsibilities Catherine took when she became a Member of the British Royal Family in 2011.
A sneak peak inside the refreshed and reopened National Portrait Gallery ✨ pic.twitter.com/5zKFB2NBYP
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 20, 2023
The National Portrait Gallery was opened in 1896 and features portraits of the most famous people in British history. The transformation of the Gallery was the biggest revamp it has had since its opening. The renovation included the restoration of the Grade I building, 50 new acquisitions and the refurbishment of existing galleries.
I’m with the Princess of Wales today as she opens the @NPGLondon following an extensive, three-year refurbishment programme.
The multi-million pound transformation of the NPG marks the biggest redevelopment that it’s seen since 1896. The Princess is the gallery’s Patron 🖼️ pic.twitter.com/5oibosNdF2— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) June 20, 2023
The refurbishments also included the commissioning of a new door featuring the artwork of award-winning artist Tracey Emin. The door featured 45 carved brass panels that represent ‘every woman, throughout time’.
During the visit, The Princess of Wales visited The Mildred and Simon Palley learning centre which is running a new crucial Under 5’s programme which aligns with Catherine’s Early Years Project. The program is a result of a collaboration with Westminster family hubs and local state nurseries and will welcome local children to the gallery and encourage creative learning, play and exploration. The Princess joined children for a multi-sensory workshop focussed on the world of Beatrix Potter.
The Princess is viewing Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Mai (Omai). The artwork, which is widely regarded as the finest portrait produced by one of Britain’s greatest artists, was jointly acquired by the Gallery and Getty this year following a historic fundraising campaign. pic.twitter.com/dZhjEQAOpX
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) June 20, 2023
The Gallery joined hands with Getty Images and acquired some of the finest artworks like Joshua Reynold’s Portrait of Omai. The painting will be on display so that the wider public can access it for research purposes. The gallery is also featuring a new exhibition displaying the life and work of pioneering London photographer, Yevonde. The Gallery is being supported by the Chanel Culture Fund.
What The Princess of Wales wore to the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery
- Dress: Self-Portrait Metallic Bouclé And Chiffon Midi Dress
- Earrings: Heavenly Necklaces Diamond and Pearl Earrings
- Bag: Chanel
- Shoes: Aquazzura Bow Tie Cutout Suede Pumps
