Prince William’s guest-edited issue of Country Life magazine this week featured a drawing by his son, Prince George, depicting a kingfisher. The publication of the artwork has prompted discussion about its origin, with some online observers questioning whether the drawing was created independently or as part of a guided art lesson.
Prince George’s drawing was included in the magazine’s guest-edited issue by Prince William, who serves as the editor for this edition. The image, described as an intricate depiction of a kingfisher, was presented alongside other content in the publication. No official statement from the royal family has confirmed whether the drawing was produced independently or with instructional assistance.
The debate gained traction on social media, where users compared Prince George’s drawing to a step-by-step art tutorial available through his school, Eton College. One widely shared post on the platform X stated, “Prince George's amazing art wasn't actually his, lol. It's an art course through his school Eton and its a step-by-step design, that the course leads.” Another post, viewed approximately 780,000 times, suggested that the drawing resembled an image from an online art tutor’s course. Neither Prince William nor the royal family has addressed these comparisons publicly.
The discussion follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny over authenticity in public life, particularly in the context of digital media and AI-generated imagery. In 2024, Princess Kate faced criticism after editing a family photo featuring Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, which was later altered to correct an image inconsistency. The royal family has not issued a response regarding the origin of Prince George’s drawing.
The artwork was released as part of a broader feature in Country Life highlighting the royal family’s engagement with art and nature. The magazine’s guest-edited issue, overseen by Prince William, includes contributions from various figures and explores themes of British heritage and conservation. The royal family has not provided additional details about the circumstances under which Prince George’s drawing was created.