Picture Perfect? First Official Portrait of Kate Middleton is Unveiled

Have you seen the first official portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge? Let’s just say it’s been met with some eh… differing opinions.

Before we show you the painting, which was done by Paul Emsley, here’s a regular picture of Kate Middleton that you can use for your own comparison. This was taken today at the unveiling of her portrait:

Kate earlier today with Prince William and artist Paul Emsley

Doesn’t she look lovely? Right, enough suspense. Here is the official portrait which was put on display at the National Portrait Gallery this afternoon:

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, as depicted by Paul Emsley

According to K-Middy herself, the portrait is “amazing” but what do you think?

Kate’s portrait was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in London and, the artist Mr Emsley said she had expressed a desire to be portrayed as her natural self, rather than her official self. 

Kate and her hubby Prince William spent 10 minutes looking at the portrait in a private viewing this morning.

“It’s just amazing, I thought it was brilliant,” Kate is quoted as saying.

“It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely beautiful,” agreed Prince William.

Kate sat for award-winning artist Paul Emsely once at his studio in May last year and again a month later at Kensington Palace. The artist is believed to have worked from a series of photographs to finish the image.

“I think, from what I can see this morning she’s [Kate Middleton] delighted with it. I’m very happy about that,” said Mr Emsley.

“The fact she is a beautiful woman is for an artist difficult. In the end, I think what I tried to do really was to convey something about her warmth and her smile,” he added.