Marina, the Duchess of Kent

The photograph in our collection is another memento of the visit of the Duck and the Duthcess of Kent to Łańcut. In July 1937, George, Duke of Kent and his wife Marina arrived in Poland. After visiting Cracow and Katowice, they spent five days in Łańcut. At the station, the royal couple were greeted by Count Alfred Potocki, and the castle orchestra played "God Save the King". From here, in a carriage drawn à la Daumont, the distinguished guests set off on their way to the Castle, where, after a festive dinner, a ball was held. Earlier, Alfred III had shown Prince George his stable. The next day in the morning there was a meeting attended by, among others: Józef Beck with his wife, Józef Potocki, Johannes and Marizza Lichtenstein, Karol Radziwiłł and Alfred III's younger brother, Jerzy. After breakfast, the royal couple visited the horse stable in Albigowa and the hunting lodge in Julin. In the photo, we see the Duchess in a portrait shot against a uniform background. The silhouette of the Dutchess is turned to the left and the head is tilted to the right. The Duchess has neatly pinned up, wavy hair. An earring studded with white stones sparkles on her right ear, and the outfit is adorned with two brooches. The Duchess seems thoughtful. We can't read any emotion from her face and her eyes are focused on something that wasn't captured in the photo. This photograph, as well as the photograph with the sisters, was signed by the Duchess. In the lower right corner, we can see the handwritten signature "Marina 1937" and below on the passe partout, in red ink, the author's signature "Benton".

Anna Szczęsny