What was meant to be a night of royal elegance has instead sparked a wave of unexpected backlash.
The State Banquet held in honour of Nigeria’s president at Windsor Castle had all the hallmarks of tradition — grandeur, ceremony, and carefully curated symbolism. At the centre of it all were Prince William and Princess Catherine, dressed in full regal splendour, unveiling a brand-new official portrait meant to reflect dignity and unity.
Do we really need yet another ‘Official Portrait’, this one taken by a young Nigerian-born photographer, Christianah Ebenezer?, asks Liz Jones
The Prince and Princess of Wales with President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel
The Royal Family is in crisis and William and Kate are behaving like ostriches. They need to step up, stop hiding behind medals, jewels and portrait photographers, writes Liz Jones
But instead of admiration, the reaction online told a very different story.
Almost instantly, social media was flooded with criticism. Many questioned the timing, with some calling the event “tone-deaf” amid rising living costs and global uncertainty. Others dismissed the portrait itself as overly staged, even comparing the royal couple to “waxworks” rather than real people.
For critics, the issue wasn’t just about a single photograph — it was about perception.
At a time when many families across the UK are struggling financially, the lavish display of royal tradition felt disconnected from reality. The opulent setting, the intricate table arrangements, and the formal presentation all seemed to belong to a different world.
A world far removed from everyday concerns.
And that disconnect is becoming harder for people to ignore.
The new portrait, captured by photographer Christianah Ebenezer, was intended to showcase a modern yet respectful image of the monarchy. Catherine wore a striking gown in Nigerian green, paired with Diana’s iconic tiara — a symbolic nod to heritage and diplomacy.
Yet for many viewers, the image lacked authenticity.
Instead of warmth, they saw distance.
Instead of connection, they saw performance.
This growing criticism comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Royal Family, with ongoing controversies casting a shadow over the institution. Against that backdrop, some believe public appearances like this risk appearing out of touch.
There is also increasing pressure on William and Catherine — as the future of the monarchy — to respond more directly to the challenges facing both the Royal Family and the public.
Critics argue that carefully managed appearances are no longer enough.
They want transparency.
They want accountability.
And above all, they want to feel that the royals understand the reality of modern life.
Moments such as Catherine’s recent public engagements — from awards ceremonies to ceremonial appearances — have also come under scrutiny, with some questioning whether these displays truly reflect the seriousness of the current climate.
The same applies to William, whose public discussions on mental health have been praised — but also contrasted with what some see as a lack of direct response to more pressing controversies within the Royal Family.
The result?
A growing perception that something is missing.
Not effort.
Not visibility.
But connection.
Because in today’s world, image alone is no longer enough.
And as one online comment bluntly put it: the Royal Family must prove they are not just “perfectly posed figures”… but real people, capable of understanding the weight of the moment.
Soucre: Dailymail.co.uk
