On Tuesday, the King celebrated another significant milestone by revealing the first completed official portrait of himself since his coronation.
The painting portrays Charles donning the uniform of the Welsh Guards, a role he assumed as Regimental Colonel in 1975—a position subsequently passed on to the current Prince of Wales, Prince William.
Renowned artist Jonathan Yeo was commissioned to create the portrait in 2020, commemorating Charles’ 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company in 2022.
Accompanying the monarch, aged 75, during the unveiling were his wife, Queen Camilla, aged 76, along with the artist, The Master of The Drapers’ Company, Tom Harris, and Past Master William Charnley.
watch the king’s reaction via this link: https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/u6WVQQmd
Jonathan, whose previous subjects include Sir David Attenborough and the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, said: “It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation.
“When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.
“I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter’s face. In this case, my aim was also to refer to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century Monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject’s deep humanity.
“I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King.”
How Long Did The Portrait Take?
Jonathan Yeo conducted four sessions with His Majesty, commencing when he was the Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, followed by sessions at Clarence House. The final session occurred in November 2023 at Clarence House.
Additionally, Yeo utilized sketches and photographs he captured of His Majesty, enabling him to continue working on the portrait at his London studio between the sittings.
