Kate Middleton was ‘so clearly, really proud of Prince William’, says royal photographer

A royal photographer who captured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Earthshot Prize Awards has praised the couple as a ‘strong team’ and recalled how Kate was Prince William’s number one fan.

Chris Jackson told People that the mother-of-three, 39, was ‘so clearly, really proud’ of her husband when he came back from his speech during the ceremony at Alexandra Palace, in London, on Sunday.

‘She had been watching on the backstage TV. They are a strong team,’ the photographer said.

Chris Jackson told People that the mother-of-three, 39, was ‘so clearly, really proud’ of her husband (pictured together) when he came back from his speech during the ceremony at Alexandra Palace, in London, on Sunday

He added: ‘Seeing firsthand, you had this realisation of the huge amount of work this was for [William]. It was a really special evening.’

Yesterday Chris, who is married to The Duchess of Cambridge’s stylist and close friend Natasha Archer, 34, took to Instagram and explained how he captured a series of behind-the-scene pictures from the awards. 

Among the black and white images, which were shared to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s social media account, include the moment Kate, 39, put a loving hand on Prince William’s lower back in a rare display of public affection – as they are captured looking intensely in each other’s eyes and smiling at one another.

In another adorable photograph from Sunday’s engagement, a dapper dressed Prince William pulls back the curtain as he and Kate are seen smiling and laughing together.

‘She had been watching on the backstage TV. They are a strong team,’ the photographer said. Pictured, William and Kate arriving at Sunday evening’s event

Elsewhere, two poignant individual shots of the pair show them both reflecting before they’re about to go on stage to give their speeches on the importance of looking after the environment for several generations to come. 

Alongside the series of snaps, Chris penned: ‘Some of you may have noticed I was a little quiet after the Earthshot awards…

‘This was because I had a fantastic opportunity to shoot “behind the scenes” with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the groundbreaking environmental initiative that will do a huge amount to change the narrative over the next few years.’

‘It was special to witness the passion and energy that went into this event from close quarters and performances from talented artists such as @teddysphotos @ksi and @coldplay. I think these pictures illustrate some the depth of feeling throughout the event.’

Kate can be seen holding onto the railings as she takes to her seat next to husband, Prince William 

Another poignant shot of Prince William shows him reflecting before heading on stage at the end of the event

In another powerful snap, Prince William can be seen stepping on stage after ditching his usual black tuxedo for a trendy polo neck and green velvet jacket

To match the event’s ethos and highlight on sustainability, the mother-of-three recycled the Alexander McQueen dress she first wore ten years ago in 2011, at a Bafta reception in Los Angeles while she and Prince William were touring America as newly-weds. 

The decade-long global environmental competition awards £1million to five winners for an idea to protect the planet.

However, the choice of the monochrome snaps comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose two black and white family photos to announce Meghan’s pregnancy with Lilibet, where the royal couple can be seen posing in the grounds of their $14 million Californian mansion in front of a ‘tree of life.’

They also opted for the same style to announce their son’s name on Instagram in May 2019, and released a further two from the photocall at Windsor Castle earlier the same day.