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Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been unveiled as Tatler‘s cover star—well, kind of. As part of a series of royal portraits commissioned by the magazine, Middleton is the subject of a painting by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor.
However, many fans have taken issue with the image’s lack of likeness to the royal.
Depicted standing regally against a blue background, wearing a white gown with the Royal Family Order pin and sash, as well as her iconic sapphire engagement ring, netizens have flooded the comments to criticise the portraiture, calling it out for inaccuracy.
Middleton did not stand for a painting. Instead, Uzor recreated the princess’ appearance at a state banquet during a South Africa visit in November 2022—the first since King Charles II’s ascension to the throne—where she wore a Jenny Packham floor-length gown with capped sleeves and her go-to Lover’s Knot tiara.
Despite some people suspecting that Uzor intentionally delivered a less-than-similar image, she explained to the outlet that she felt inspired by Middleton’s recent cancer diagnosis announcement, particularly the strength and dignity that the royal demonstrated during an immensely difficult time, and hoped to convey this energy.
The artist also expressed her admiration for her portrait subject.
“She has really risen up to her role—she was born for this,” said Uzor. “She carries herself with such dignity, elegance and grace.”
