Queen drummer Roger Taylor’s daughter Tigerlily reveals how modelling crippled her body image and self-esteem – but admits her father’s famous name ‘opened some doors’

by

Roger Taylor’s daughter, the drummer for Queen, has shared that her time as a model led to significant self-doubt about her appearance. While she appreciates that her famous last name gave her some advantages in the industry, it also left her feeling insecure.

The cover star of Tatler, daughter of former actress Debbie Leng, started modeling as a teen, but the industry’s focus on looks soon damaged her confidence.

She shared on the Outspoken Beauty podcast that she began modeling around age 17. She explained that the biggest challenge wasn’t the work itself, but the constant self-criticism about her appearance that came with being in an industry focused on looks. It was difficult to maintain a positive self-image and body image when she was constantly scrutinizing herself.

I’ve been following Tigerlily’s career for a while now – she’s done amazing work with brands like Bluebella and Urban Outfitters, even Charlotte Simone! She recently shared how much she struggled with the pressures of the modeling industry, saying she really wasn’t ready for what it demanded of her. It’s so relatable, and I admire her honesty about the challenges behind the glamorous image.

She confessed she was inexperienced and a bit lost when she was younger. She also shared that she often felt insecure and questioned who she was, especially while navigating that particular world.

Tigerlily, now the founder of a sustainable, high-end press-on nail company called Claws by Tiger Taylor, says she’s finally overcoming the self-doubt that bothered her throughout her twenties.

She explained that she’d spent most of her life worrying about her appearance and feeling insecure.

It’s amazing how you only understand how damaging negative self-criticism is once you start to let go. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I ever lived that way. I’m only now beginning to discover my true self.

Even though she continues to work in fashion, she’s thankful she avoided the intense pressure to meet the industry’s harsh standards and unattainable beauty ideals.

I was fortunate to never fit the typical high fashion model mold – I’m five foot six and just didn’t have that look. But I think it was mostly just being young and still figuring out who I was as a person.

Tigerlily, the daughter of Queen drummer Roger Taylor (age 76), was raised in a world of celebrity, having been surrounded by fame since the band began in 1970.

But she insists that despite her father’s global stardom, she’s managed to stay grounded.

She shared, ‘My dad is amazing – he’s definitely one of my favorite people, and he always makes me laugh.’ Despite this, she admitted that growing up wasn’t always easy.

I always knew Tigerlily came from a privileged background, but I was surprised to learn she went to Bedales, a really exclusive boarding school in Hampshire! It costs a whopping £55,000 a year to attend, and get this – she actually shared a dorm room with Cara Delevingne back when they were both students! It’s amazing to think about those two sharing such a normal experience before they became famous.

She described her childhood as interesting, though a little chaotic. Growing up, she traveled a lot, and while it felt normal to her, it wasn’t a typical upbringing.

You know, life is always a mix of good and bad, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything. I’ve been lucky enough to see some truly amazing parts of the world, and I feel incredibly grateful for all those experiences. It’s shaped me into who I am today, and I cherish every moment – the highs *and* the lows.

My siblings and I have experienced a lot in life, which has made us feel older than we actually are.

Tigerlily is one of Roger’s five children from past relationships. He has two older children, Felix, 45, and Rory, 39, with his first wife, Dominique Beyrand. They married in 1988 and later divorced.

Roger has four children: Rufus, a 34-year-old drummer for The Darkness, and three others – Tigerlily and 25-year-old singer Lola, as well as a son with his ex-partner, Debbie Leng. He’s currently married to actress Sarina Potgieter, and they’ve been together since 2010.

Tigerlily, who has been with music producer Mkulu Lee for a while, understands that having a well-known last name has created opportunities for her, and she openly admits it.

I understand the term ‘nepo baby’ gets thrown around, and I’m definitely not out of touch with reality. I know my dad is successful, and I’m not embarrassed by that at all. Actually, I’m really proud of everything he’s accomplished.

It’s clear my career path isn’t music, and my dad works in a completely different field – fashion and beauty. But having a recognizable name definitely gave me a boost in modeling, simply because it sparked people’s interest and got me noticed.

Simply having the right connections can create opportunities, but ultimately, you have to put in the effort to succeed on your own.

She added that it’s important to recognize her good fortune in receiving help, and to not pretend it didn’t happen or be ashamed of it.

‘I think it’s just good to acknowledge that.’

Read More

2025-10-15 17:51