King Charles III unveiled the first official painted portrait of himself since his coronation, marking over a year on the throne. The striking oil painting, created by the renowned portrait artist Jonathan Yeo, features the king staring directly ahead against a backdrop of mottled red, pink, and fuchsia hues. The unveiling took place at Buckingham Palace, where video footage captured the king pulling a ribbon to reveal the towering work, which seemed to momentarily surprise him.
Jonathan Yeo, known for his portraits of notable figures such as David Attenborough, Idris Elba, and activist Malala Yousafzai, began working on the portrait in June 2021, when Charles was still the Prince of Wales. The painting depicts the king wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was a Regimental Colonel, with a butterfly hovering over his shoulder. The presence of the butterfly symbolizes transformation, much like the king’s own journey from prince to monarch.
In a statement released by the royal family, Mr. Yeo expressed his thoughts on the portrait. He also described the process of capturing the king’s likeness as a tremendous professional challenge that he thoroughly enjoyed and felt immensely grateful for.
The portrait, measuring 7.5 feet by 5.5 feet, was commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Drapers, a medieval guild of wool and cloth merchants now functioning as a philanthropic organization. It will be displayed in Drapers’ Hall, the guild’s historic quarters in London’s financial district, which features a gallery of monarchs from King George III to Queen Victoria.
The unveiling of the portrait comes at a significant time, just weeks after the king announced his return to public duties. This announcement came nearly three months after he disclosed his battle with cancer, a revelation that had caused considerable concern among the British public. The king’s return to his duties brought palpable relief to a nation anxious about another potential upheaval in the monarchy.
Mr. Yeo had previously told The Times that he was unaware of the king’s illness until after completing the portrait. Despite this, the painting captures the king in vivid color, with a contemplative yet commanding presence. Yeo has also painted other members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla and Prince Philip, as well as other prominent figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, actors Dennis Hopper and Nicole Kidman, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Yeo believes that the best portraits capture visual characteristics that remain relevant even as the person ages.
This portrait is a testament to both the king’s evolving role and Yeo’s skill in capturing the essence of his subjects. It stands as a significant piece of art that encapsulates a moment in time for the British monarchy. The king’s direct gaze and the vibrant background colors convey a sense of stability and continuity, even as the monarch adapts to his new responsibilities and the challenges that come with them.
The decision to commission and unveil such a portrait underscores the importance of tradition and the visual documentation of the monarchy’s evolution. It serves not only as a personal depiction of King Charles III but also as a symbolic representation of the ongoing legacy and the historical significance of the British royal family. The painting’s place in Drapers’ Hall will ensure that it is seen by many, continuing the long tradition of commemorating British monarchs through the art of portraiture.
