Kate Middleton Tatler Cover Sparks Intense Debate: Lovely or Not HRH at All?
A new portrait of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, featured on the cover of Tatler magazine’s July 2024 edition, has ignited a wave of mixed reactions among royal enthusiasts and art critics alike. The artwork, painted by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor, was revealed on social media just days after the unveiling of a controversial portrait of King Charles III.
Tatler’s cover art, part of its third annual series featuring royal portraits, depicts Kate in a floor-length white gown with a cape, adorned with a blue sash and pendant. She is shown wearing the iconic Lover’s Knot tiara, with her hair pulled back and her hands folded. The background of the painting is a gradient blue, intended to reflect Kate’s eye color and evoke elements of nature and water, symbolic of her love for rowing.
Despite the artist’s intentions to capture Kate’s dignity and resilience, especially in light of her recent cancer diagnosis, the portrait has faced significant backlash. Critics and fans have expressed their discontent, arguing that the painting lacks a resemblance to the Princess of Wales. Comments on Tatler’s social media post ranged from mild disappointment to outright disapproval. One user noted, “Doesn’t look like Catherine at all. If she wasn’t wearing that dress, I’d have no clue who it’s meant to be.” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Sorry, as much as I love that you have the Princess of Wales on the cover, that looks nothing like her.”
Hannah Uzor, the artist behind the portrait, has a distinct approach to her work, driven by an interest in history and diasporic culture. Her previous works include a notable series of portraits highlighting figures from the African diaspora in English history. In an interview with Tatler, Uzor shared her admiration for Kate Middleton, praising her for rising to her royal duties with grace and poise, especially as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Uzor mentioned that Kate’s public address announcing her cancer diagnosis profoundly influenced the portrait, aiming to convey the layers of Kate’s personality through her art.
This new portrayal of Kate Middleton follows a similarly controversial portrait of King Charles III, painted by British artist Jonathan Yeo. Unveiled last week, Yeo’s depiction of the king in a red Welsh Guard uniform against a striking red background also received mixed reviews. Critics compared the portrait to a “horror movie poster,” with some commenting that the vivid color choice made Charles appear “demonic” or “in hell.”
Jonathan Yeo explained his artistic choices, stating that the red hue was intended to resonate with royal heritage while injecting a contemporary twist into the traditional genre of royal portraiture. The monarch butterfly included in the painting symbolizes metamorphosis and rebirth, reflecting Charles’s environmental advocacy and his transition from prince to king.
The unveiling of these portraits comes at a time when the British royal family is under intense public scrutiny. Kate Middleton, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, has largely been out of the public eye while undergoing treatment. In a heartfelt video message, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received and shared her determination to focus on recovery. The announcement marked a significant moment, as Kate has always been a prominent and active member of the royal family.
Royal watchers have closely followed updates on Kate’s health, with Prince William stepping in to fulfill her public duties. Recent statements from Kensington Palace have indicated that Kate will not return to work until she is cleared by her medical team. Prince William, during a visit to St. Mary’s Community Hospital, reassured the public that his wife is “doing well.”