On May 6, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla presented their official coronation portraits, evoking the rich heritage of royal imagery. The artwork not only symbolizes their reign but also showcases the evolving reception of royal portraiture in contemporary society.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla Present Official Coronation Portraits
King Charles III and Queen Camilla Present Official Coronation Portraits
The newly unveiled portraits capture the royal couple in their ceremonial regalia, continuing a longstanding tradition.
In a highly anticipated reveal, King Charles III displayed his coronation portrait, crafted by artist Peter Kuhfeld, at the National Gallery in London. The painting features the king adorned in the ceremonial regalia he wore during his crowning two years prior. Artists have a long-standing tradition of depicting monarchs in their coronation attire—a practice seen throughout history, most notably with Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic portrayal by Herbert James Gunn.
Charles’s attempts to elicit a more favorable response than his previous portrait—by Jonathan Yeo, which received mixed reactions online—are evident. The new artwork elegantly captures sunlight glistening on the king’s crown, a sign of regality.
In addition to his portrait, Queen Camilla's image was unveiled as well, painted by Paul Benney. This almost photorealistic representation features the queen dressed in her silk coronation gown, gazing intently towards the viewer. The juxtaposition of the portraits not only marks the couple's commitment to royal duty but also reflects their place in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
The public reception of these artworks will be closely observed, as social media reactions and critical perspectives could further influence perceptions of the monarchy in modern Britain. Nonetheless, these images are a continuation of a royal tradition that emphasizes the significance of ceremonial representation in delivering messages of authority, dignity, and continuity.
