What's happened
King Charles III unveiled his first official portrait since his coronation at Buckingham Palace on May 14, 2024. The painting, created by Jonathan Yeo, features the King in the uniform of the Welsh Guards against a vivid red backdrop. The portrait has sparked mixed reactions from the public and art critics, with some praising its contemporary feel and others finding the extensive use of red unsettling. Yeo explained that the red was intended to tone down the bright uniform and add a dynamic element to the piece.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to the BBC, the portrait was unveiled at Buckingham Palace and features King Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guards with a butterfly on his shoulder. The Independent noted that the painting has divided opinion, with some finding the extensive use of red unsettling. Jonathan Yeo, the artist, told The Independent that he chose red to tone down the bright uniform and add a dynamic feel. The Guardian's Peter Conrad questioned the relevance of royal portraits in modern times, while Business Insider UK highlighted the mixed reactions from art critics and the public.
How we got here
Royal portraits have long been a tradition, serving as both historical records and symbols of the monarchy's presence. King Charles III's portrait was commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Drapers to celebrate his 50 years as a member. Jonathan Yeo, a renowned portrait artist, began working on the painting in 2021, with multiple sittings at Highgrove and Clarence House. The portrait's unveiling comes just over a year after Charles' coronation, adding to the historical significance of the event.
Go deeper
- Why did Jonathan Yeo use so much red in the portrait?
- How has the public reacted to King Charles' portrait?
- What significance does the butterfly in the portrait hold?
Common question
More on these topics
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Jonathan Yeo is a British artist who rose to international prominence in his early 20s as a contemporary portraitist, having painted Kevin Spacey, Dennis Hopper, Cara Delevingne, Damien Hirst, Prince Philip, Erin O'Connor, Tony Blair, and David Cameron am
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.