May 23, 2024: The unveiling of a new portrait of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has stirred up controversy and criticism since its release. Painted by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor and featured on the cover of Tatler magazine's July issue, the portrait portrays the princess wearing a Jenny Packham white dress adorned with a blue ribbon—a choice inspired by a state banquet attire from 2022.
Titled 'The Princess of Wales - A Portrait of Strength and Dignity,' the artwork aims to honor Middleton's resilience amidst her battle with cancer. However, the portrait has faced backlash on social media platforms, with many users questioning its accuracy in capturing Middleton's likeness.
Critics took to social media to express their disappointment, with one user stating, "Sorry, as much as I love that you have the Princess of Wales on the cover, that looks nothing like her." Another comment read, "It's a no from me. As much as I admire the time and effort expended, the dress, the background, it is not Princess Catherine's face."
Some users even questioned whether the portrait was intended as a parody, reflecting widespread skepticism about its resemblance to Middleton.
Despite the criticism, there were also voices of support for the artwork, with one user simply stating, "I like it."
Notably, Middleton did not sit for the portrait, as she is currently on a break from official duties following her cancer diagnosis. Artist Hannah Uzor shared her approach to the project in an interview with Tatler magazine, revealing extensive research into Middleton's image through archives of Getty photos.
This portrait release follows the unveiling of the first official portrait of King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, which also faced criticism for its bold red background and tone