The latest portrait of Kate Middleton has caused great controversy and dissatisfaction among her fans, who have described the work of art as “appalling” and “terrible error of judgment.” This portrait, selected for the July 2024 issue of an as-yet-undisclosed publication, did not involve a new sitting of the Princess; instead, it was composed using a collection of past images.
The decision to create a portrait without a new sitting has been met with criticism, particularly because the artwork was intended to be significant. It serves as a follow-up to the July 2022 edition, which celebrated the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, an event marked by much fanfare and a series of memorable portraits that received widespread acclaim.
The negative reception of this latest portrait underlines the high expectations and deep respect that fans have for depictions of the royal family, particularly in commemorative contexts. The decision to use past images instead of doing a new photo shoot has been perceived by many as a misstep, detracting from the uniqueness and authenticity that a straight portrait session could have offered.
According tatler“- the two portraits inspired the new Akoje Residence in collaboration with the King’s Foundation, for African, Caribbean and diaspora artists to spend time at the King’s estate, Dumfries House in Scotland, to focus on their artistic practice.”
One fan even wrote: “What a disappointing portrait! Princess Kate is beautiful and the portrait should look like the healthy and happy Princess of Wales!
“She has been through hell fighting cancer! It’s amazing that no one reviewed this horrible painting before it was published!
She deserves love and support. Certainly, someone from the royal family must have said that this portrait was unacceptable!!!”
“Tatler, please do the honorable thing. Get someone who can actually look at photos of Kate and paint a beautiful picture of her that really looks like Princess Katherine!
“Doing nothing would be dishonorable!” The social media user also added.
Others also chimed in with their thoughts, admitting, “I could have done better with a sweeping brush.”
The third social media user also shared similar sentiments, adding: “This portrait looks nothing like her. It has to be a joke, I can’t believe this was allowed and published. Tatler (heart eyes emoji) is obviously hoping for record sales!! What’s going on here?”
