A PICTURE framing company from Pewsey was chosen to frame the new portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 

The painting, commissioned last year as a gift for the people of Cambridgeshire, shows the pair standing side-by-side, with Kate in an elegant emerald dress and William in a black suit.

It is on display at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum.

The portrait was painted by award-winning artist Jamie Coreth, and the frame was made by Philip Elletson of PR Elletson in Pewsey.

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Philip, 74, has been making picture frames since 1978, and previously made the frame of the portrait of Captain Sir Tom Moore - as well as for the Queen's 90th birthday.

Philip was contacted by the artist, Mr Coreth, who could not initially reveal who the portrait was for. 

He knew what size it had to be and that it was to be gold and 'Victorian', but found it difficult to provide ideas when working in such secrecy. 

Members of the public will be able to view the portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum for an initial period of three years, after which the artwork will be exhibited in other community spaces and galleries around Cambridgeshire.

Philip, who lives between Pewsey and Marlborough, said: "It took about three months to complete because it was so large and had to be done in stages, and other things had to be done in between.

"My wife was furious of course when she found out that I knew, being a complete royalist herself".

When asked if Philip was happy with his work, he said: "Absolutely. I think it looks absolutely brilliant.

"I had a small suspicion who the portrait might have been for, but I didn't know for certain, and it was a very pleasant surprise when Ifound fond out it was for the Duke of Duchess of Cambridge. 

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The duke and duchess, both 40, met Coreth as they viewed the painting of themselves on Thursday while in Cambridgeshire for a series of engagements.

William said, after looking at the painting: “It’s quite big.”

He told Coreth it was “amazing”.

The duke and duchess both studied history of art at St Andrews University, though William later switched to geography.

Coreth said it was the “most extraordinary privilege of my life to be chosen to paint this picture”.

“I wanted to show Their Royal Highnesses in a manner where they appeared both relaxed and approachable, as well as elegant and dignified,” he said.