Black-and-white photograph of Prince George, Duke of Kent. 1/2 length portrait.

The Duke of Kent appears in dramatic tones, with a sharp linearly divided background further emphasised by the use of backlight, a lighting technique Beaton often employed during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent were one of Britain’s most fashionable couples of the time and being chosen to portray them represented a significant opportunity for any photographer. While they had opted for Dorothy Wilding at the time of their engagement, Cecil Beaton’s style captivated the couple and he photographed them on many occasions, with remarkable results.