New Coronation Portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla Stir Public Debate
A centuries-old royal custom has been rekindled by two recently revealed images, which have also sparked a surge of unanticipated public criticism.
On the second anniversary of Their Majesties’ coronation in 2023, the official coronation state portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla have been unveiled at London’s National Gallery.
The paintings, which were commissioned to commemorate the momentous occasion, carry on a long-standing royal tradition and sparked a range of responses on the internet after their public premiere.
Both the King and the Queen choose their own artists: Queen Camilla picked Paul S. Benney, and King Charles picked Peter Kuhfeld. Both artists are well-known to Their Majesties and have completed royal commissions in the past.
The King and Queen jointly unveiled the artworks, which were originally shown in the National Gallery’s Central Hall.
Before being moved to their permanent home in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, the portraits are reportedly scheduled to stay at the gallery from May 6 to June 5, 2025.
Following that, the public will be able to examine them from July 10 to September 28, 2025, during the State Rooms’ Summer Opening.
King Charles is shown standing next to the Imperial State Crown in ceremonial costume in Kuhfeld’s portrait. A beautiful red and gold room with open doors and patterned draperies serves as the backdrop for his formal clothing, complete with decorations and accolades.
Benney’s painting of Queen Camilla shows her wearing a white dress with delicate gold embroidery. A dark green background contrasts with the brighter hues of her outfit as she stands next to the Queen Mary Crown and an intricately decorated table. The elegant arrangement was finished with a bracelet and necklace.
Online responses to the portraits have been conflicting, especially on Instagram, where the royal family posted pictures of the pieces. While King Charles’ image drew greater criticism, Queen Camilla’s portrayal was hailed by many.
“Queen Camilla’s portrait is stunning,” one commenter said. I can’t say I’m a fan of the King’s portrait, though, because perhaps the picture doesn’t do it credit.
Others remarked on how both paintings were stylized. “The painter gave Camilla some serious weight loss and plastic surgery,” someone said.
“Camilla’s is nice, but it looks like an Instagram filter applied to a photo,” said another, echoing that sentiment. He has a comical appearance.
As one viewer put it clearly, “He needs to ask for his money back!” Another said, “I believe you’re doing it for the King.” He surely appears much more attractive than that [sic].
Observations regarding the portrayals’ believability were also made. One person commented, “Camila’s had a face lift here [sic]…” “Camilla’s painting appears to be filtered,” said another. She appears far younger than she is. ought to be more accurate, as Churchill’s was. Just what I think [sic].
The unveiling carries on the British monarchy’s long-standing custom of coronation state portraits, notwithstanding the differing reactions. As permanent relics of royal history, these official depictions honor the sovereign’s function.
The pictures of King Charles and Queen Camilla will become part of a line of kings whose likenesses were officially documented during the height of their reign as they join the royal collection.
A few weeks prior, at their 20th wedding anniversary photo session in Italy, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were captured on camera sharing a private moment.
During the photo op, which happened hours after the royal couple arrived for a four-day state visit, a professional lip reader unveiled the monarch’s reserved remarks.
The couple was staying at Villa Wolkonsky, the home of the British ambassador in Rome, when the pictures were taken. As Charles and Camilla sat for formal photos marking the beginning of their diplomatic tour as well as their anniversary, the location offered a picturesque backdrop.
The British envoy said it was appropriate to celebrate the milestone in Italy. He remarked, “Their love for Italy… and all things Italian resonate deeply here,” emphasizing the couple’s enduring admiration for the charm, culture, and history of the nation.
With the caption, “As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people!” Charles and Camilla posted these photos from their trip to the Royal Family Instagram page.
The royal couple’s photos, taken next to the Aqua Claudia’s historic Neronian spur, were released by Buckingham Palace on Monday night.
In one picture, King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen holding hands and grinning broadly at the camera. A sweet moment with Charles looking lovingly at his wife was recorded in another picture. The final image featured the pair enjoying a peaceful moment together while sitting on a bench and holding each other in their arms.
The creator of LipReader, Nicola Hickling, examined a behind-the-scenes video that the Royal Family posted on social media. Hickling claims that King Charles turned to Camilla and remarked, “This is lovely… beautiful… come closer.”
Charles was seen on camera putting his arm around Camilla’s waist and gently drawing her closer. Camilla smiled in response, obviously taking note of what he had said. Despite its briefness, the gesture was notable as a subdued expression of love amid an otherwise ceremonial engagement.
Married in 2005, the couple seemed at ease and cohesive. By providing a glimpse into their relationship behind the royal formality, the conversation gave an official ceremony a more intimate feel.
As we previously reported, on April 7, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla embarked on a four-day state visit to Italy with the goal of commemorating and enhancing the long-standing connection between Italy and the United Kingdom. This occurred as Prince Harry arrived in London to challenge a security issue.
The royal couple used the soft power of monarchy to strengthen diplomatic and cultural links between the two countries during their state visit, making appearances in both Rome and Ravenna.
A official state visit to the Holy See was originally scheduled as part of the trip, but it was later canceled. At the time, the late Pope Francis was recuperating from double pneumonia after being discharged from the hospital.
The royal delegation turned its attention to other areas of the Italian metropolis when the Vatican activities were removed from the itinerary. The remaining engagements in Rome were rescheduled to span two days in order to accommodate the modifications, and certain appearances were given additional aspects.
Charles and Camilla posted adorable pictures of themselves surrounded by beautiful flowers and buildings on Instagram, among other moments from their vacation. A video of their visit to see President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale was also posted.
“As we embark on our first trip to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people!” was the comment that went with the colorful pictures of Charles and his sweetheart. A pronto, Ravenna e Roma! Camilla R. and Charles R.
Prior to Harry’s arrival in the United Kingdom, the royal couple traveled to Italy. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Harry made an appearance in a London courtroom.
He legally challenged the British government’s decision to lower the amount of publicly sponsored security he received when visiting the UK.
Every time the Duke of Sussex visits England, his security requirements are evaluated individually to ascertain the level of protection he would require while in the United Kingdom, according to the BBC.
The committee that determines the type of security royals receive claims that Prince Harry has stated his willingness to pay for police protection, but that is not permitted. According to Charlotte Gallagher, a BBC correspondent, “The funds either come centrally, or not at all.”
Furthermore, his most recent appeal is the most recent development in a series of steps in a matter that has been pending for almost three years. Since September 2021, Harry has been able to contest the Home Office through a judicial review application, which ultimately proved to be unsuccessful.
He subsequently made an unsuccessful attempt to appeal the judge’s decision. But in May 2024, he was finally allowed to present his case before the Court of Appeal, which is how things stand now.
