On January 16, 2024, it was announced that Kate Middleton, 42, had undergone planned abdominal surgery and would be taking time off royal duties to recover. The internet went wild with speculation. On March 22, 2024, the Princess of Wales released a video announcing that she had cancer. She did not go into specifics about the type or what her treatment would look like. This video inspired a new portrait by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor.
Kate did not sit for the painting. It was created from photos and videos. The portrait will grace the cover of the July issue of Tatler.
The publication describes it as “a portrait of strength and dignity.” It shows Kate at King Charles III’s first state banquet. This took place in 2022 during the South Africa state visit.
The painting shows Kate standing against a blue backdrop. This represents Kate’s eye color. It also evokes images of gardens and bodies of water. Kate enjoys rowing.
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The princess wears a Jenny Packham floor-length evening dress. It features a cape and is white in color. She accessorized with her favorite tiara, the Lover’s Knot.
When asked if Kate’s cancer announcement video impacted the portrait, Hannah affirmed that she gets inspiration from every possible source. “Without a doubt,” she stated. “All my portraits are made up of layers of a personality, constructed from everything I can find about them.”
Hannah admires Kate’s determination and strength. “She has really risen up to her role — she was born for this,” she mused. “She carries herself with such dignity, elegance, and grace.” She also admires her maternal side. “I sense with her the joy of motherhood.”
Not everyone was a fan of Hannah’s work.
“This portrait is awful,” one Instagram user wrote in the comments section. “There are so many amazing artists out there, surely they could have found a better one.”
“That doesn’t look like Kate at all,” another user agreed.
“What a horrible portrait for a beautiful Woman,” chimed in a third.
