A newly released portrait of King Charles has captivated royal fans, who all seem to share the same sentiment.
The striking image, taken by photographer Millie Pilkington last autumn, was shared to mark Burns Night on Saturday. It captures the monarch smiling warmly in the grand library of Balmoral Castle, standing beside a stack of leather-bound books.
The Royal Family’s official social media accounts posted the portrait with the caption: “Wishing those celebrating a very happy #BurnsNight tonight. The King in the Library at Balmoral Castle, taken by Millie Pilkington.”
Fans were quick to express their admiration, particularly for the King’s elegant attire. His Majesty wore a traditional tartan kilt made from the King Charles III tartan, a fabric newly designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority in 2023 to commemorate his coronation and honor his dedication to preserving Scottish heritage.
Comments poured in praising the regal yet relaxed portrait. One admirer wrote: “A wonderfully color-filled capture of His Majesty. Looking resplendent in tartan—my favorite portrait to date!” Another noted: “Beautiful picture of His Majesty! He looks fantastic in tartan,” while a third added: “I love the color coordination between the books, tie, and tartan.”
Art expert James Ryan, CEO of Grove Gallery, described the portrait as “art at its finest.” He explained:
“It sparks conversation, and that’s what great portraiture should do. The library setting, filled with leather-bound volumes, exudes timeless sophistication. Meanwhile, the newly designed tartan symbolizes heritage and continuity. King Charles’s stance feels open and relaxed, his body language warm—almost as if he’s about to share a self-deprecating joke. It’s a powerful blend of tradition and modernity, subtly reinforcing his identity as a contemporary monarch.”
Whether admired for its elegance or debated for its subtlety, one thing is certain—King Charles’s latest portrait has ignited a national conversation, proving once again the enduring power of great art.
