First royal portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge revealed, Prince William calls it 'just beautiful'

The first royal portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge has been unveiled and it’s not the most flattering picture of the mom-to-be.

Announced in November of 2011, the portrait will go on display at London's National Portrait Gallery starting on Friday. The Duchess sat down for the artist twice; May and June of 2012. She requested that he make the portrait show her more natural side, not her official side.

Artist Paul Emsley took months to create the portrait, using thin layers of both oil and glazes on a canvas, according to The Huffington Post.

Emsley painted her with earrings that she received for her wedding, and a green blouse that he just made up, based on her other clothing.

The royal couple saw it on Friday morning at a 10-minute private viewing, and The Telegraph reports that he described it as “just beautiful.”

Editor of the British Art Journal, Robin Simon, however, had a different opinion. “Fortunately, the Duchess of Cambridge looks nothing like this in real life. I'm really sad to say this is a rotten portrait,” he said.

image: princeofwales.gov.uk