The Duchess of Cambridge has invited fans to hunt for copies of her book showcasing photography from the coronavirus lockdown which have been hidden across Britain.

Kate celebrated the publication of Hold Still: A Portrait of Our Nation in 2020 by leaving a copy at the Queen Victoria statue overlooking the Broad Walk outside Kensington Palace Gardens in London this morning.

Each book will include a letter from the duchess tucked inside.

To make this activity even more special, book fairies, the Hold Still judges and participants of the final 100 images are leaving copies at places that gave them hope during the lockdown.

This special book documenting the unique collection of photographs goes on sale today! pic.twitter.com/JpmgdOQYzk

Kate launched the Hold Still project last May in a bid to encourage people to take snaps to capture the “spirit of the nation” during the pandemic.

Sleeping nurses, elderly people shielding and families adapting to home schooling are among the array of pictures submitted – with 100 selected to go on display and now be featured in the book.

The duchess has joined forces with the Hold Still judges and Book Fairies, an organisation that encourages people to leave books they have enjoyed for others to discover.

Giving a clue to fans about the whereabouts of the books, Kate revealed copies could be found at places that gave the judges and photographers “hope during the lockdown”.

The official Duke and Duchess of Cambridge account tweeted this morning: “Let the search begin!”

“To make this activity even more special, book fairies, the Hold Still judges and participants of the final 100 images are leaving copies at places that gave them hope during the lockdown.

“This special book documenting the unique collection of photographs goes on sale today.”

It comes as sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex, announced plans to release her debut children’s book, The Bench.

The publication was inspired by husband Prince Harry’s bond with their son, Archie, Meghan said.

Due to go on sale in June, the book features artwork by award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, with the duchess due to narrate the audio-book version.

Meghan and Harry, who are expecting their second child, celebrated Archie’s second birthday on Thursday, when they called for coronavirus vaccine equality.

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