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.
Henna Artist Shajida Begum’s Royal Encounter
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 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.'”
The Truth Behind Kate Middleton’s ‘Tattoo’
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 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 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.
While the henna design was a temporary addition, Kate Middleton’s timeless style remains a permanent fixture in her public appearances.
Kate Middleton’s Timeless Style at the International Air Tattoo
Kate 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 praised for her sophisticated yet practical fashion sense. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her simple, chic outfits composed of timeless designer staples. She is also recognized for mixing high-end and low-end designers and repeating pieces from 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 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 heels (Credit: WENN)
Judging from the photos, Kate spent much time chasing down a young and curious Prince George at the event.
Kate Middleton showcases the leg-lengthening effect of nude pumps, which seamlessly blend with her skin tone, creating the illusion of longer legs and a taller silhouette (Credit: WENN)
It looks like these sensible and stylish heels are mom-friendly, as well.
Kate Middleton steps out in classic nude pumps, perfecting her timeless and sophisticated style (Credit: WENN)
As we said, her chic picks are often easy to duplicate without burning through your wallet.
Nude 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 Dress, $98
MICHAEL Michael Kors Clean One-Button Crepe Blazer, $103
Nine West ‘Tatiana’ Pointy Toe Pump, $78.95