Mashable: A recent portrait of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has sparked mixed reactions online, following in the footsteps of a similarly controversial portrait of her father-in-law, King Charles III. Commissioned by Tatler magazine as part of a series featuring members of the British royal family, the portrait was unveiled as the magazine's cover.

The portrait, inspired by Kate's appearance at a state banquet in November 2022, was not based on a sitting with the princess herself. Instead, artist Hannah Uzor, a British-Zambian artist, sifted through thousands of photos to capture Kate's likeness, aiming to depict her soul in the painting.

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Uzor described her process as immersive, involving extensive study of Kate's public appearances, family moments, and charity work. The chosen portrayal showcases Kate in a Jenny Packham gown, noted for its regal and confident aura.

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Fixed the new Kate Middleton Tatler cover pic.twitter.com/kYWFxSi4Be — Claire St. Olafian (@clairebearian) May 22, 2024

Did the Tatler magazine team find it too awkward to tell the artist to try again or do a better job when she revealed the Kate Middleton painting to them?

The portrait looks nothing like her. — violencia orange (@OnyinyeFafiObi) May 22, 2024

Whoever painted that Kate Middleton pic must not know what that lady looks like.
That is a Filipina on that Tatler cover.

When boot licking goes wrong — Mrs G (@MrsEricaGarza) May 22, 2024

Despite Uzor's efforts, the portrait has elicited varied responses online. Some viewers argue that it fails to capture Kate's likeness accurately, especially considering her absence from public view since undergoing surgery and receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.

Comparisons have been drawn to the recent portrait of King Charles III, which also faced scrutiny upon its unveiling. Painted by artist Jonathan Yeo, the portrait features a striking red background and depicts Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guards. While some praise its departure from traditional royal portraiture, others criticize its choice of color and interpretation of the king's expression.

Both portraits have ignited discussions about the interpretation of royal figures in contemporary art. Despite the mixed reception, they contribute to a broader conversation about the representation of the monarchy in visual culture.