Hannah Uzor, a British-Zambian artist, unveils her new portrait of Kate Middleton for Tatler’s July issue, drawing inspiration from the Princess’s state banquet attire and featuring iconic royal jewels. Despite mixed reviews, the artwork sparks discussions among royal fans and art critics.
British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor has created a new portrait of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, which features on the cover of Tatler’s July issue. Uzor was inspired by Kate’s appearance at the first state banquet of King Charles III’s reign at Buckingham Palace in November 2022. Known for her in-depth study methods, Uzor relied on images and videos of the Princess rather than having her sit for the painting due to Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
The portrait showcases Kate in a white Jenny Packham dress with detailed embellishments, a nod to the attire she wore during the state banquet entertaining South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The regal image includes Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara and Princess Diana’s diamond and pearl drop earrings, among other precious jewels estimated to be worth over £1.4 million.
Against a sapphire blue backdrop to highlight Kate’s green eyes, Uzor aimed to capture the Princess’s essence through meticulous observation of her expressions and public appearances. While some fans and art critics have expressed admiration, others have criticized the likeness and certain artistic choices.
The portrait has sparked a notable conversation among royal fans and art enthusiasts alike, generating diverse feedback on social media platforms. Some praised Uzor’s style and interpretation, while others felt the portrait did not accurately represent the Princess. Despite the mixed reviews, the artwork has drawn significant attention to both Uzor and the Princess of Wales.