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The royals are not translating well to canvas lately, and this time it’s Kate Middleton’s portrait that has royal fans fuming.

The controversial piece, painted by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor, was featured on Tatler magazine’s July 2024 cover as part of a series of portraits of the royal family.

Uzor appeared to take inspiration from the Princess of Wales’ outfit at a November 2022 state banquet — the first under King Charles’ reign. Kate wore a white floor-length gown with crystal-covered shoulders and billowing sleeves to the event.

The princess did not sit for the portrait herself, with Uzor sifting through thousands of photos to capture her likeness.

“All my portraits are made up of layers of a personality, constructed from everything I can find about them.”

 

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While the outlet described the finished piece as a portrait of “strength, dignity and courage,” fans of Kate and the royals had a fit over the painting.

“Disappointing portrait … our POW is far more beautiful ..😟,” one user wrote, to which another agreed, “A very poor portrait which totally fails to represent the beauty and elegance of the Princess of Wales.”

“What a horrible portrait for a beautiful Woman.”

“This isn’t great is it? Is this a spoof?”

“When did she become Asian?”

The uproar came just a week after another artist, Jonathan Yeo, faced criticism for his artistic portrayal of King Charles III. The piece, which was Charles’ first official portrait as monarch, was heavily scrutinised for its intense red background and overall tone — which some thought looked like the royal was in “hell.”

However, Yeo later defended his work, saying he used bright colours to “distract” from the king’s already vibrant red uniform.

All the furore over royal paintings makes me wonder whether the royals should perhaps realise that not everyone sees them as they see themselves.

[source:pagesix]