A few days ago, King Charles III unveiled his first official portrait since assuming the throne. An enormous pictorial work, signed by the artist Jonathan Yeo, that left no one indifferent not only because of its size, but also because it was painted almost entirely in very vivid red tones.
The reactions were immediate, leaving all kinds of opinions and comments about the work, which generated all kinds of sensations. The same ones that have provoked a new portrait of Kate Middleton, which has been used as the cover of the British magazine Tatler, and which has sparked a real debate on social networks since its presentation last Wednesday.
It is a pictorial work created by the British artist of Zambian origin Hannah Uzor, which will be the cover of the July edition of the prestigious publication.
In the painting, the Princess of Wales appears in a long white dress that reaches to the floor, with a thin cape that covers her shoulders. In her hair, tied in a low bun, she wears the famous Lover’s Knot tiara. In addition, she shines with her South Sea pearl and diamond earrings, worn by Lady Di; and the pearl bracelet, from Queen Elizabeth II.
An outfit inspired by the style that the Princess of Wales herself wore at a state banquet held in November 2022. Kate Middleton did not pose for the portrait, but Uzor took her references from different photographs.
As the artist explains in a video shared by Tatler, she spent “a lot of time” looking at photos of herself, alone and accompanied by her family. “It’s been really interesting for me to get a sense of who she is,” she added, insisting that her portrait is intended to represent the princess as an example of “strength, dignity and courage.”
The portrait has sparked countless opinions among social media users, who have not hesitated to share their opinion about this creation. For many, this work “does not represent” the Princess of Wales in the slightest, and could even be confused with someone Asian. “At first glance I thought she was the Japanese Empress Masako,” says one user.
“Who makes the decisions in these commissions? The portraits are getting stranger. This is quite amateurish, it doesn’t look like His Highness. Taking into account what is happening, I suppose this will make you laugh,” wishes another, trusting that the controversy will at least serve to encourage the princess.
“There is literally no bad photo of her. Taking such an unflattering portrait when you have all the time to produce something amazing is pretty incredible,” laments another.
For the publication, this cover announces “a new era within the Royal Family, celebrating the strength and dignity of those who dedicate their lives to public duty.” This is what they did with the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Charles III.
“It’s a joke? I’m not a fan of Kate, but this portrait is an insult,” says one user. “This portrait is horrible, there are so many amazing artists out there who surely could have found a better one,” insists another.
