Kate, Princess of Wales.
Kate Middletonis helping an emerging artist who created her social media invitation to the Princess of Wales’s upcoming holiday concert.
“The commission was to illustrate the Abbey — I didn’t know what it was for at the beginning,“Aurélie Baudry Palmertells PEOPLE of the stunning artwork.
Palace staffers had seen some of Baudry Palmer’s illustrations of prominent buildings before and she was requested to show something that reflected a Christmas scene at the Abbey.
“I was really happy to be asked because I love drawing architecture. I always like to add some characters to bring life and fun to it,” she says.
Aurelie Baudry Palmer’s image of Westminster Abbey.
“I have drawn a lot of landmarks in London but hadn’t done the Abbey yet. So when they asked I thought, ‘I’ve always wanted to draw this.’ It was perfect,” she says.
The invite also features a poignant nod to the lateQueen Elizabethwith the addition of two corgis. Baudry Palmer says the inclusion of the Queen’s favorite pups was a royal request.
“The corgis were an addition at the end after some feedback. When they saw the final drawing they suggested I add them,” she says.
The holiday event is set to take place on Dec. 15, bringing together members of the royal family with charity staff, community volunteers, frontline workers, military personnel and more to “celebrate the joy that human connection can bring,“Kensington Palace announcedlast week.
The Princess has made it one of her themes during her public life of the last decade to highlight and support artists, via her patronages. Her support for art therapy and how it can help with mental well-being is also a bedrock of some of her work.
“It is absolutely fabulous to be able to spotlight artists and small businesses and arts and crafts. It is such an endorsement and all the artists who can benefit from such support are grateful,” the artist adds. “It is very encouraging for all the people who want to pursue the arts to see that their work is valued is important.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Baudry Palmer says her creative process began after she was sent some photos to choose from. She then came up with a rough sketch to show the composition and was requested to film the process. Kate andPrince William’s social media team did the rest to create the fun mini-movie.
The result was the Instagram post that ran on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media sites.
“It was lovely to see it all come together,” Baudry Palmer says. “It was really smooth and a fast turnaround from the initial call to the delivery. It took me about three days, including the feedback.”
“I learned the watercolors technique, but the rest is pretty much self-taught and stems from passion,” she says.
Kate Middleton.Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/Instagram
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In a touching tribute, this year’s Christmas concert will also honor the lateQueen Elizabeth II, who died in September at age 96. The service will showcase the values she upheld through her remarkable life and reign, like empathy, compassion, and support for others.
source: people.com
