Debunking Rumors: No, Kate Middleton Does Not Have a Tattoo

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In February 2018, fans thought they had spotted a tattoo on Kate Middleton’s hand. However, it was soon discovered that the design was just a semi-permanent henna tattoo she got during her visit to The Fire Station, a new arts hub in Sunderland, with her husband, Prince William.

Shajida Begum, an 18-year-old artist, drew a brown flower with a swirl on her hand, which the royal received with a smile.

A local artist, Shajida Begum, drew a brown flower with a swirl on Kate Middleton’s hand using natural hennaA local artist, Shajida Begum, drew a brown flower with a swirl on Kate Middleton’s hand using natural henna (Credit: INSTARimages)

“I said, ‘Would you like a design?’ and she was like, ‘Yes, if you don’t mind,'” the artist told reporters. “She was saying that it was really pretty. I was just telling her how it works. I was telling her when she can wash it off — I said, ‘When it becomes flaky.'”

It turns out that the Duchess of Cambridge does not have any real tattoos on her body, despite initial speculation from eagle-eyed fans.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Seraphine Phaedra maternity dress, gets a henna tattooCatherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Seraphine Phaedra maternity dress, gets a henna tattoo during a visit to The Fire Station, one of Sunderland’s most iconic buildings, converted into a music and arts hub on February 21, 2018, in Sunderland, England (Credit: INSTARimages)

The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her classic and elegant style and has been seen in numerous public appearances and photographs without any visible tattoos.

Shajida Begum decorated the Duchess of Cambridge's right hand with natural brown henna to create a small flower designShajida Begum decorated the Duchess of Cambridge’s right hand with natural brown henna to create a small flower design (Credit: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Additionally, the British royal family has a tradition of not displaying visible body art or piercings, making it highly unlikely that Kate would have a tattoo.

A rare exception is Princess Eugenie, who does have a tattoo. The younger daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York, has a small, black ink tattoo behind her left ear.

There has been speculation that the tattoo could be a tribute to her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and that the circular shape may represent the Sovereign’s Orb, a symbol of the monarch’s power.

Kate Middleton wears her hair down as she escorts her son, Prince George, to the International Air TattooKate Middleton wears her hair down as she escorts her son, Prince George, to the International Air Tattoo held July 8, 2016, in Gloucestershire, England (Credit: WENN)

Kate Middleton is often hailed for her sophisticated — and very practical — fashion sense. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for simple and chic outfits comprised of timeless designer staples. She’s also known for mixing high-end and low-end designers and repeating the pieces she keeps in her wardrobe.

Kate’s sense of style is also incredibly easy to replicate. For example, check out her outfit at the International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire, England.

Kate wore a simple blue Stella McCartney crepe dress underneath a one-button navy blazer from Smythe.

Kate Middleton wears a Stella McCartney dress with a Smythe blazer while out at an airfield event with her son, Prince GeorgeKate Middleton wears a Stella McCartney dress with a Smythe blazer while out at an airfield event with her son, Prince George (Credit: WENN)

She paired her minimal ensemble with nude nappa leather LK Bennett “Florete” court shoes.

Kate Middleton chases after her son, Prince George, in a pair of sensible and stylish LK Bennett heelsKate Middleton chases after her son, Prince George, in a pair of sensible and stylish LK Bennett heels (Credit: WENN)

Judging from the photos, Kate spent much time chasing down a young and curious Prince George at the event.

Kate Middleton holds son Prince George at the Royal International Air TattooKate Middleton holds her son Prince George at the Royal International Air Tattoo (Credit: WENN)

It looks like these sensible and stylish heels are mom-friendly, as well.

Kate Middleton's feet in sensible LK Bennett pumpsKate Middleton’s feet in sensible LK Bennett pumps (Credit: WENN)

As we said, her chic picks are often easy to duplicate without burning through your wallet.

Nude L.K. Bennett "Florete" PumpsNude L.K. Bennett “Florete” Pumps, $325

Here are some great alternatives from Nordstrom and Zappos to duplicate Kate’s look for under $300.

Felicity & Coco Seamed Pencil DressFelicity & Coco Seamed Pencil Dress, $98

MICHAEL Michael Kors Clean One-Button Crepe BlazerMICHAEL Michael Kors Clean One-Button Crepe Blazer, $103

Nine West 'Tatiana' Pointy Toe PumpNine West ‘Tatiana’ Pointy Toe Pump, $78.95