King Charles and Queen Camilla share official coronation portraits with the public

In a tradition dating back more than 400 years, the official coronation portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla have been made public, two years after Charles ascended to the throne.

The portrait of King Charles shows the monarch dressed in his robe of state standing beside the Imperial State Crown, while Queen Camilla is seen wearing her coronation dress of ivory coloured silk, next to a different crown.

The portraits were unveiled by the royal couple at London’s National Gallery on Tuesday, May 6 and will be displayed for a month before being moved to Buckingham Palace.

 

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The paintings were commissioned by the King and Queen shortly after their coronation ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey. Each chose different artists to capture them with Charles choosing Peter Kuhfeld, while Camilla selected Paul Benney, Buckingham Palace said.

“I have tried to produce a painting that is both human and regal, continuing the tradition of royal portraiture,” Kuhfeld said in a statement of the image of the King, whose backdrop is the Throne Room in St James’s Palace.

Benney, who painted the Queen, said he aimed to honour the historic nature of the coronation while also capturing “the humanity and empathy of such an extraordinary person taking on an extraordinary role”.

The portrait reveal comes at a poignant time for King Charles, who recently reflected on how his cancer diagnosis has profoundly affected him—sharing that the experience has shown him “the very best of humanity”.

The public first learnt of the King’s health concerns in early 2024 when he was hospitalised for a procedure related to benign prostate enlargement. Following further tests, doctors discovered the presence of cancer, prompting King Charles to begin a course of regular treatment to manage the condition.

Though the diagnosis was understandably a significant concern, the King’s determination to return to public duties soon after beginning treatment was reassuring and it wasn’t long before he was fulfilling his royal duties once again.

Now, while attending a recent reception dedicated to the work of the cancer community, Charles shared his reflections on his experience with the illness.

“Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” he told those in attendance.

“But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.”

Charles went on to thank charities for their work to raise funds for research while reflecting on the value of the human connection they offer patients in times of need.

“It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years,” Charles said.

“And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

-with Reuters.