The King has unveiled a brand new portrait of himself and it’s filled with symbolism as well as history.
Charles III revealed the painting at Buckingham Palace alongside the artist, Jonathan Yeo. Queen Camilla was also present for the unveiling.
Place in the history books
It’s the first portrait of The King to be completed since his Coronation, giving it a place in the history books. And its role in the story of Charles III is underlined by the symbolism chosen by Jonathan Yeo for the portrait.
The painting was commissioned in 2020 ahead of an important anniversary for Charles, then Prince of Wales. In 2022, he marked 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company and the portrait was to commemorate that event.
Symbolism in the portrait of The King
However, in the time it was being completed, the longest serving heir in British history succeeded to the throne on the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, who had reigned for just over 70 years.
Jonathan Yeo added a Monarch butterfly to the portrait to denote that transformation. It hovers over King Charles III’s shoulder, signifying his change from Prince to Monarch as the painting was completed. And the idea for the symbolic Monarch butterfly came from the new Monarch himself.
The artist said King Charles wanted to add something that told a story as well as reflecting his love for the environment and nature.
The changing role of Charles III
Jonathan Yeo also said of the portrait ‘’ When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.’’
He added ‘’ my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century Monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject’s deep humanity. I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King.”
King’s personal links to painting
There is further symbolism in the painting as Charles was still Prince of Wales when he first sat for the portrait and chose to be shown in it in the uniform of the Welsh Guards.
However, The King will be aware of another aspect of the Monarch butterfly’s story. In recent years, numbers have declined around the world, with concerns about the species long term viability, The Monarch whose transformation in royal life is show by the creature will be aware of the issues it faces – in his time as heir, he became a leading voice on environmental concerns.
The portrait, which is over eight feet tall and six feet wide, will hang at Draper’s Hall in London and The Master of The Drapers’ Company, Tom Harris and Past Master, William Charnley, were present for the unveiling.
