The Prince of Wales is perhaps one of the most photographed people on the planet. And as a king in waiting, the Prince has had his fair share of portraits as well.
In a recent engagement in Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, the Prince joked that he always has a “slight worry” before a new portrait is unveiled of himself.
By local Northern Ireland artist Gareth Reid, this latest portrait was commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces for the official public reopening of Hillsborough Castle on 18 April.
Joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, the royal couple viewed the new portrait after exploring the £24 million refurbishment done to the palace.
Prior to the unveiling, the Prince has seen a “tiny glimpse” of an unfinished version. Before pulling back the curtain, the Prince joked: “There is always that slight worry when you pull the curtain down.”
After sharing a laugh with Reid and his family, the royal couple took a step back to view the new painting. The painting depicts Charles in a relaxed pose in a garden scene. Charles shared a warm smile with Reid before stepping back to examine the painting even more.
Charles wasn’t the only one that approved. Camilla stepped closer to the painting and said “well done.”
As the visit to the castle concluded, Prince Charles had another happy occasion on his mind, his wedding anniversary. “I am enormously grateful to you for coming all this way to celebrate our wedding anniversary.”
The visit came as the couple celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary. The two married on 9 April 2005 in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall. While neither Charles’ parents nor Camilla’s father, Major Bruce Shand, attended the civil ceremony, it was still a family affair. Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles (Charles’ godson) and Prince William and Prince Harry were witness for the occasion. The Queen and Prince Philip along with Major Shand later attended a service of blessing afterwards at St George’s Chapel.
