While Kate Middleton is currently undergoing “preventative” chemotherapy treatment for her recent cancer diagnosis and is not actively working, representations of her continue to appear on magazine covers.
On Wednesday, May 22, British magazine Tatler unveiled the Princess of Wales as its July 2024 cover star, portrayed in an artistic portrait by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor.
For the project, Uzor painted the royal wearing a white caped Jenny Packham bridal gown adorned with a blue sash across her body, an accessory bestowed upon her by the late Queen Elizabeth II, “her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the highest ranking of chivalry personally awarded by the late monarch for being in her service,” according to HELLO.
The artwork also found the princess donning her sparkling Lover’s Knot tiara, earrings, and a yellow brooch.
Tatler’s July 2024 cover completes a royal tryptic of historic magnitude with a new portrait of the Princess of Wales by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor.
The portrait appeared to be a recreation of the complete ensemble she wore to the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2022, where she was accompanied by her husband, Prince William.
Fans on social media promptly shared their opinions about the image, turning to social platforms to air their grievances.
Many felt Middleton looked nearly unrecognizable, with one writing, “Doesn’t look like Catherine at all. Of [sic] she wasn’t wearing that dress I’d have no clue as to who it’s meant to be.”
“Sorry, as much as I love that you have the Princess of Wales on the cover, that looks nothing like her,” another agreed, while a third said, “This is dreadful,” in part.
Someone else echoed the sentiment of several others, chiming in with, “Put different clothes on her, and no one would know that is supposed to be Catherine. It doesn’t look like her at all, not one little bit.”
Positive reactions to the art were rare. One person did attempt to defend the artist, saying, “As much as I thought her previous work was interesting, this doesn’t make the cut.”
Regarding Tatler’s July 2024 issue, the publication stated it is scheduled to be available on newsstands starting May 30.
