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The State Banquet hosted a myriad of opinions for the newly released portrait featuring the then Prince and Princess of Wales. Their contrast of adulation and criticism exploded onto social media. The royal couple appeared as one majestic front for a host of intellectuals who must have pondered his or her opinion on attire for the diplomatic event.
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The official account Kensington Royal shared this photograph along with the caption that went, ‘Ready for The State Banquet 🇺🇸🇬🇧,’ where the future King William and his Queen can be seen fully in regalia with William in traditional black tie with decorations, and Catherine sporting a tiara and gown, her presence notable so soon after undergoing treatment for cancer. The picture trended.
They were showered with beautiful comments for having graced the television screens. One comment went, “Most handsome/beautiful future King and Queen: William looks distinguished; Catherine looks flawlessly beautiful.” Another said that the picture was “like a portrait” followed by a succinct “Nice photo.” Clearly, all royalist members who have their views on Wales as the hope for tomorrow found meaning in this picture.
This photograph stirred a great deal of romance in the viewers’ minds. An especially enthusiastic admirer said, “It’s a real life fairy tale… 👑 👑 👑,” an expression capturing much of the storybook-like attractiveness bestowed upon them. “Our future looks radiant indeed ❤️,” said another, reflecting the hopeful declaration many attribute to the actualization of William and Catherine.
Viewpoints about the picture were not so harmonious, however. Impolite comments surfaced discussing the Prince and more. A writer who said, “Damn, he an ugly ass mofo. How’d he pull her,” was followed by another who said, “He definitely inherited his Grandfather’s hair loss,” referring to Prince Philip. This comment was met with a response: “Perhaps it’s a personal choice… And perhaps he likes 🤷 does it really matter?” even suggesting a defensive reaction.
Alongside those comments arose some political ones as well: “Why are you eating with a rapist racist? Some family traditions should be broken,” while others proclaimed, “The guy who was there should be dressed in prison fatigues and eating off a tray with plastic cutlery,” seemingly referring to others at the event though not the royal couple themselves. The comments highlight how royal appearances are often tied into far broader political opinions.
International views also made appearances when one user commented in Ukrainian: “Hire me, otherwise in Ukraine they won’t hire anyone who is 55 years old?”-An out-of-context comment, yet one that shows the space occupied by royal watches today. Another comment contained worrying language about Islam, reflecting much more extreme views.
Jewelry aficionados noticed those details as well, wondering, “It looks like Princess Catherine might be wearing the original Princess Di ring?” In other words, every single bit of detail about royal appearances gets analyzed by the layman and connoisseurs alike. Catherine’s well-being was also on people’s minds. “Thankfully the princess is healthy again. Pure elegance,” said one well-wisher.
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However, from the account, it would seem the majority of responses were in favor of appreciating what the couple represented in it; as one responder on the thread aptly put it: “Absolutely beautiful, this is my favourite of you both. Stunning, regal and the future seems bright.” The Wales continue to walk the public stage by mixing tradition with modern visibility, and naturally, bringing in equal acclaim and criticism. Prince William remains a central figure in these public engagements.
