On May 6, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a royal unveiling event at the National Gallery in London, showcasing their official coronation portraits crafted by notable artists Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benney. Following a mixed reception of his first official portrait last year, which depicted the king enveloped in a controversial red glow, the monarch hoped for a positive response this time around.
The coronation portrait of King Charles features him adorned in the regalia he wore during the grand ceremony two years prior, with sunlight streaming in to highlight the regal crown on a plinth. This setting symbolizes the theme of royalty and tradition, encapsulating a momentous occasion in British history.
In addition, Queen Camilla's portrait, rendered by Paul Benney, captivates viewers with its photorealistic quality, portraying her elegantly dressed in her coronation gown and gazing directly at the audience. This unveiling aligns with a centuries-old tradition of coronation portraits, echoing royal legacies from the past.
Previous notable portraits include that of Queen Elizabeth II, which portrayed her in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, surrounded by emblems of power, reinforcing the importance of these artistic representations in maintaining royal lineage and public connection.
