In a momentous ceremony marking the second anniversary of their Coronation day, King Charles and Queen Camilla have unveiled their stunning new state portraits at The National Gallery. This event, attended by royal enthusiasts and art lovers alike, showcased the couple's commitment to tradition and royal artistry. The portraits will be on display in the gallery's Central Hall before making their way to Buckingham Palace in June.
The portrait of King Charles features him elegantly dressed in the Robe of State alongside his naval uniform adorned with medals, symbolizing his dedication to service. In contrast, Queen Camilla is depicted in her exquisite coronation dress, showcasing her royal stature. As the couple revealed the portraits by pulling down coverings, applause erupted throughout the gallery, demonstrating the public's admiration and excitement.
The portraits were crafted by renowned artists, with King Charles being painted by Peter Kuhfeld, who has known the monarch for over four decades. The Queen's portrait was skillfully executed by Paul S. Benney. Mr. Kuhfeld mentioned that he conducted five sittings with the King at St James's Palace over a period of a year and a half, which included two sessions focused solely on the crown. “I've spent quite a long time with him over the years so I'm used to being with him,” the artist reflected. “As a person, he's very interesting and understanding of what a painter needs to do the job.”
Similarly, Mr. Benney enjoyed six official sittings with Queen Camilla in the serene setting of the Garden Room at Clarence House. He was also permitted to establish a studio there, allowing for informal meetings that enriched the creative process. “The sittings were extremely pleasurable on my part,” he shared. “I like to talk when I'm painting… and so we had a lot of chat and stories which we told each other. At times I would be holding my tummy from laughing so much. The Queen is very witty.”
Following the unveiling, both King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their satisfaction as they admired their portraits. Mr. Kuhfeld noted, “I suppose he thinks it's okay,” emphasizing that it's often challenging to gauge a sitter's true feelings about their own likeness. In a more candid moment, Queen Camilla was overheard telling Mr. Benney, “I think it's really lovely.”
Adding an extra layer of warmth to the occasion, the Queen's daughter, Laura Lopes, attended the unveiling and offered her compliments on the painting. Mr. Benney remarked, “The Queen has said nothing but wonderful things about it - but more importantly, Laura, her daughter, likes it. And you know when the kids like it, that you're probably on the right track.”
The unveiling of King Charles and Queen Camilla's portraits at The National Gallery not only celebrates their royal legacy but also highlights the significance of art in capturing history. These splendid works are set to grace the halls of Buckingham Palace, where they will continue to inspire future generations.
