Royal watcher displays his photographs of The Duchess of Gloucester at Chesterfield Library

The Duchess, who celebrated her 80th birthday this summer, has been photographed by James at a number of events over the last few years: in London, Windsor, Birmingham, Norwich, Bury St Edmunds and Sheffield.

James, who lives in Shirebrook and is known as Derbyshire’s royal correspondent, said: “The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have been a great support to the monarchy, particularly in the last few years with the illnesses of the King and the Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses hosted the King and Queen of the Belgians for a commemoration at the Cenotaph in Whitehall in July 2024 and the same November, the Duchess stood in for the Queen, who was ill, at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

“A particular favourite image of mine was taken on Garter Day in 2024 of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester returning to Windsor Castle following the Garter Ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor where Her Royal Highness had been invested as a Lady of the Garter. It was well deserved after 50 years of service and a rare honour to be given to a female marrying into the Royal Family.”

Born Birgitte van Deurs in Denmark in 1946, she came to the UK to study and worked as a secretary. Birgitte married the then Prince Richard of Gloucester in 1972. Following the death of his elder brother, Prince William, shortly after the wedding, they became Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on the death of his father in 1974.

The couple have three children: The Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina Windsor and Lady Rose Gilman and six grandchildren. The Duchess is a working member of the Royal Family carrying out engagements on behalf of the King in the UK and overseas; among her patronages are The Children’s Society, Parkinsons UK, Prostate Cancer UK, the Royal College of Music and Scottish National Opera.

The exhibition is on display until September 29, 2026.