Lifelike and atmospheric portraits of the King and Queen commissioned to commemorate their coronation have been unveiled by the couple.
Charles and Camilla presented the world with the first look at their separate full-length state portraits on display at the National Gallery in London, with artist Peter Kuhfeld saying he hoped his depiction of the monarch captured “the man and the King”.
Paul S Benney painted the Queen, who was joined by her daughter Laura Lopes. Speaking about the Queen, Paul recounted: “She said nothing but wonderful things about it, more importantly Laura liked it – you know when the kids like it you’re probably on the right track.”
The monarch and his wife were crowned two years ago during a Westminster Abbey ceremony steeped in symbolism and history watched by millions. Charles, 76, was the country’s longest serving heir to the throne and the day after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022.
The artists were chosen by the King and Queen with Mr Kuhfeld having known Charles for more than 40 years, and their portraits will be hung in the gallery until 5 June before moving to their permanent home in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.
The paintings are both full-length portraits with the King standing in the throne room at St James’s Palace while the Queen is in the garden room of the couple’s London home, Clarence House.
The coronation state portraits follow convention and include some of the regal artefacts from the ceremony, including the Imperial State Crown, worn by Charles on his return to Buckingham Palace after his crowning.
Kuhfeh took more than 18 months to complete the painting after five sittings with the King, he said: “I think he was pleased. It’s a very odd thing for a sitter to look at themselves, I just hope that I’ve got an aspect of the man and King, I just think that’s very important.
“He’s a wonderfully interesting person in his own right, as a person, not King or Prince of Wales, just a very interesting person. And that was one of the things I was really keen in trying to bring out in the painting.”
Benney, who painted the Queen, set up a studio in Clarence House’s garden sitting room for almost a year and the Queen sat for him six times when she had moments free.
Speaking about the painting process, the artist said: “It was extremely pleasurable on my part, I think Her Majesty the Queen enjoyed them. I like to talk when I’m painting – I’ve managed to develop that skill over the years, I’m able to do two things at once – so we had lots of talks and chats and stories.
“Every time I’d leave, I’d be holding my tummy because I’d been laughing so much – the Queen’s very witty.
Before the unveiling Charles and Camilla were given a tour of some of the highlights in the gallery, including a number of its extensive collection of Renaissance paintings.
The King and Queen also re-opened the newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing of the gallery which has seen its entrance area opened up to provide more light and space for visitors.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…
No Comment! Be the first one.