Prince Constantijn Awards World Press Photo of the Year

As patron of World Press Photo, a post previously held by his grandfather, Prince Bernhard, Prince Constantijn presented British photo journalist Tim Hetherington with the World Press Photo of the Year 2007 prize at the World Press Photo awards ceremony yesterday. The reward was 10,000 Euros and a new camera.

Below is some text from Prince Constantijn’s speech at the World Press Photo awards.

"In 2008 WPP decided it needed a patron. I must admit, my initial reaction was to be a little embarrassed that this esteemed organisation would turn to me for support. So as the chairman did today, I asked the question: Why? WPP replied with a counter question (after all, they are journalists…): Why not, and on what ground would you accept? As I intend to remain patron for some years to come, I thought you might want to know right from the start what I replied and thus what my reasons were for accepting."

"First and foremost, the WPP is one of the most powerful global advocates of free speech and freedom of the press. What words and print cannot express, the photographed image can convey. Pictures presenting the hard facts, the subtle emotions, the contrasts and hypocrisies to a global audience have changed history. The World Press Photo Awards celebrate those photo journalists who have often risked their lives to tell us these stories. And the travelling WPP exhibitions tell them to unexpected constituencies in unexpected parts of the world."

Prince Constantijn’s entire speech from the World Press Photo awards can be read here.

For more information on World Press Photo, visit the official website.

Photo: ANP/EPA, Marcel Antonisse