The Prince of Wales has been given a fresh and flattering appearance in a new portrait featured on the cover of Tatler magazine. This image, which will grace the June issue, showcases William with a more voluminous head of hair, created by Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi. The painting was commissioned as part of the magazine’s annual Commonwealth portrait series, highlighting the heir apparent in a navy suit paired with a blue tie.
The background of the artwork is a vibrant yellow, echoing the one used in Omofemi’s previous portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II from four years ago. That particular piece gave the Queen a youthful look, reminiscent of her appearance after her coronation in 1953, with dark hair and smooth skin.
The latest portrait of William shows him with a confident smile, and it is accompanied by the caption “a prince for our times.” This depiction marks a shift from the more traditional portrayals of the royal family, offering a modern and dynamic image that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Throughout the 1990s, the prince was often seen with a thick, bushy hairstyle. However, he has never publicly addressed his hair loss, which began in his early 20s. According to reports from the Telegraph, male pattern baldness—a genetic condition that affects up to 50% of men by the age of 50—has been a long-standing issue for him.
In this new portrait, Omofemi has followed a long-standing tradition among artists to enhance their subjects’ appearances, making them look more favorable than they might in reality. One of the most well-known examples of this practice is the 1939 portrait of Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger. This artwork played a significant role in securing her betrothal to Henry VIII, although the king quickly ended their brief marriage, calling her a “Flanders mare” due to her resemblance to a horse.
Another notable example is the famous Armada portrait of Elizabeth I, in which she is depicted with bright red hair and an unblemished face, despite suffering from smallpox later in life. These artistic choices have historically served to elevate the status and image of their subjects, often aligning with public expectations or political agendas.
Last year’s Tatler June edition featured a portrait of the King and Queen, created by Philip Butah, to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary. This tradition of featuring royal portraits in the magazine continues to highlight the evolving relationship between the monarchy and the public, while also celebrating the artistic talents of those who bring these images to life.
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