Princess Kate’s Latest ‘Tatler’ Portrait Divides Fans: ‘Does Not Resemble Her Royal Highness’

Fans of the royal family are divided over the Princess of Wales' new portrait, as many claim the image looks nothing like Kate.

Troov Troov
May 23, 2024 - 21:01
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Princess Kate’s Latest ‘Tatler’ Portrait Divides Fans: ‘Does Not Resemble Her Royal Highness’

Kate Middleton

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Kate Middleton on the catwalk wearing a sheer black lace dress over a bandeau bra and black bikini bottoms St Andrews University Charity Fashion Show, Scotland, Britain - 26 Mar 2002 Kate Middleton, 19, a friend of Prince William at the university wearing a sheer black lace dress over a bandeau bra and black bikini bottoms. She is believed to be one of his future flatmates in his second year.

Kate Middleton Kate Middleton at Game Fair, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Britain - Aug 2004 Could 2008 be the year that Prince William and Kate Middleton make their relationship official? Back in August 2004, Kate looked like she didn't have a care in the world - perhaps safe in the knowledge that she had snagged the world's number one eligible bachelor. The couple met at University of St Andrews, Scotland, in 2001, when Kate was in her first year. From around Christmas of 2003 to April 2007, she and Prince William were involved in a relationship that was subjected to intense media attention. But at the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Kate seemed to be bearing up to the pressure pretty well and has rarely been seen without a smile for the cameras since. There have been rumours that the couple have already taken the next major step in their relationship. Miss Middleton has supposedly moved into Clarence House, and given the keys to her Chelsea flat to her sister, Pippa. Will a ring on the finger be next?

Kate Middleton HUGH VAN CUTSEM AND ROSE ASTOR WEDDING, BURFORD, OXFORDSHIRE, BRITAIN - 04 JUN 2005

Image Credit: Getty Images

Princess Kate‘s latest portrait has sparked debate among fans. The image — which was commissioned by Tatler magazine — was released on Wednesday, May 22, and is a painting of Kate, 42, against a blue background wearing a long white gown, a silver crown and a blue sash. The magazine unveiled the portrait via social media as part of its July 2024 cover issue.

“This recent portrait comes as a follow up to Tatler’s July 2022 Platinum Jubilee cover of Queen Elizabeth II and the July 2023 Coronation cover of King Charles III,” an Instagram post by Tatler read. “The two portraits inspired the new Akoje Residency in collaboration with the King’s Foundation, for African, Caribbean and diasporic artists to spend time at the King’s estate, Dumfries House in Scotland, to focus on their artistic practice.”

In response to the post, countless social media users slammed the painting, with many claiming it looks nothing like the Princess of Wales.

“This portrait is awful, there are so many amazing artists out there, surely they could have found a better one,” one commenter wrote. “What a horrible portrait for a beautiful woman,” another chimed in.

Prince William and Kate Middleton Getty Images

A separate person went so far as to comment, “Who is making decisions on these commissions? The portraits are getting weirder and weirder. This is quite amateurish, does not resemble HRH. Considering what she’s going through, I guess this will give her a good chuckle [sic].”

The third commenter was likely referring to Kate’s cancer battle, which the royal revealed in a video message back in March. After previously undergoing abdominal surgery in January, she was eventually diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. In her public statement, Kate acknowledged that this was the reason why she wasn’t seen in public for months.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time,” Kate said in the clip. “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

Kate shares her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with her husband, Prince William. At the end of her message, Kate noted that she was looking forward to returning to her work when she is cleared by her medical team.

“We hope you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she concluded. “My work has alway brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”