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London: King Charles III has unveiled the first official portrait of himself since his coronation last May.
The portrait by artist Jonathan Yeo depicts Charles against a background of vivid red hues, wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards military unit, with a butterfly just above his shoulder.
King Charles III by Jonathan Yeo 2024.Credit: Getty
“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,” Yeo, 53, who has previously painted Charles’ late father Prince Philip, said in a statement.
“My aim was also to make reference 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.”
The portrait was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate then-Prince of Wales’ 50 years as a member of the grant-giving body, The Drapers’ Company, in 2022, the palace said. The company was set up more than 600 years ago as a trade association for wool merchants.
Yeo began the painting more than a year before Charles became king, with a sitting at Charles’ Highgrove estate in June 2021. The last sitting took place in November 2023 at Clarence House, one of the King’s residences in London. Charles got his first look at the canvas on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) at Buckingham Palace.
Artist Jonathan Yeo and King Charles III stand in front of the portrait of the King Charles III by artist Jonathan Yeo as it is unveiled in the blue drawing room at Buckingham Palace in London, England. Credit: Getty
Yeo’s past subjects have included British broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough, Oscar-winning actor Nicole Kidman and former British prime minister Tony Blair.
The oil on canvas artwork, which measures about 2½ metres by 2 metres, will be on display at the Philip Mould Gallery in London from May 16 to June 14. From the end of August, it will be displayed at Drapers’ Hall across town.