The painting comes just days after one of King Charles sparked a similar reaction.
A new portrait of the Princess of Wales has sparked passionate emotions, just days after a contentious depiction of King Charles III was published.
Tatler magazine revealed the cover art for its July 2024 issue on social media, which features a portrait of the former Kate Middleton by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor, a “fellow mother of three,” according to the publication.
This is Tatler’s third annual cover portrait. Prior years featured artwork by Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
In the forefront of a gradient blue background, the painting shows Kate in a floor-length white gown and cape with a blue sash and pendant. Her hands are folded back into one another as she dons a tiara and her hair pulled back low. She appears to be wearing the same dress she wore to King Charles’ first state banquet.
On social media, the portrait has stirred a wide range of reactions, with many saying the portrayal lacks a resemblance to the princess.
“What a horrible portrait for a beautiful Woman,” one person commented.
Another wrote, “This is not HRH The Princess of Wales. God knows who it is, but it is not HRH.”
Another said, “This does not resemble her at all.”
“I really respect the artist, but I also don’t see Catherine here,” one person remarked.
However, some people seemed to glimpse the vision.
One person said, “Love this so much,” with three red heart emojis.
“This is so lovely,” another commented.
TODAY.com contacted Tatler Magazine and Uzor but had not received a response by the time of publication.
What does Kate’s portrait convey?
According to her website, Uzor’s artistic style is “driven by her interest in history, particularly, diasporic culture and its manifestation in personal and public memory.”
Her 2020 portrait series focused on African diaspora figures who contributed to English history.
The artist told Tatler of Kate, “She has truly risen to her job. She was born for it. She carries herself with much dignity, elegance, and grace.”
Watching Kate’s video in which she announced her cancer treatment had an impact on the painting, “without a doubt,” Uzor stated.
“All my portraits are made up of layers of a personality, constructed from everything I can find about them,” Uzor stated to Tatler.
Kate’s eye color inspired the “green-blue” tint of the background, “and also trying to get elements of being in a garden and on water.” She mentioned rowing as one of Kate’s favorite sports.