Kate wears Whistles to visit National Gallery

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the National Gallery today, as the first official portrait of the Duchess was unveiled. Kate looked blooming and beautiful in a gorgeous Whistles dress that had been previously seen in 2012. There was just the slightest hint of a baby bump, but for once, the discussions that raged following the visit were not about the Duchess’s pregnancy.

The discussions, many of them totally hilarious, focused on the portrait by Paul Elmsley. It is, quite frankly, hideous. Kate appears to be at least 2o years older than she actually is, and with very puffy facial features. Many have commented about how wrong the nose is, whilst others have said that it makes the naturally pretty Duchess look mannish and masculine. The funniest comment, however, was one that appeared on Mumsnet that said, if you squint, it looks like David Cameron.

I think the painting is a huge injustice to Kate, it looks like a really bad passport photo, and Kate’s lovely smile is replaced by a Cheshire cat-like smirk. The hair is wonderful, but little else impresses.

But Kate did look beautiful, in person, today. The dress was a perfect choice as the gently flowing fabric flattered the Duchess’s figure, whilst the black cumberband style waistband, long sleeves and gentle v neck all added to the elegant feel of the look.

Get the Kate look – fifties style silhouettes