'Sad hidden meaning' in state portrait of King Charles as expert weighs in

Edinburgh Live

07-05-2025

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An art expert has uncovered a potentially "sad hidden meaning" within the newly unveiled state portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The two separate full-length paintings by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benney, handpicked by the monarchs themselves, were revealed this week, in line with the couple's Coronation celebrations planned for 2023.
The King and Queen's images have sparked different reactions, with Dr Bendor Grosvenor taking to X to express his insights. He said: "I'm admiring the Coronation State Portraits, unveiled today at the National Gallery. Different artists (HMK by Peter Kuhfeld, HMQ by Paul Benney), and what a contrast we see.
"The King turns away from us, looks into the distance, and begins to fall into shadow. The crown is in the light, dazzlingly so. The picture is more monarchy than monarch. Is there a melancholy air, given the King's health?
"The Queen on the other hand is painted with photo-realist sharpness [...]. She's firmly in the limelight, the crown behind in shadow. Is any of this deliberate? Do the pictures have any meaning at all? Art history will find out!"
(Image: Getty Images)
The portraits of the Royals have elicited mixed reactions. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Kuhfeld expressed his hope that he managed to capture Charles in the image of both "the man and the King". Meanwhile, referring to the Queen, Mr Benney added: "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."
Social media users are divided on the paintings. One individual observed: "These portraits are very well done from a symbolic perspective, in my opinion. The King's portrait reminds me of transition.
"The crown is more clearly defined and in the sunlight. The King is softer, muted, less light with open doors behind him. It's bittersweet and speaks to a shorter reign.
"The monarchy/crown is a beacon - solid, steady and waiting for the next. The Queen's portrait is more modern. The crown is behind her vs in front.
"It is not predominant, and hasn't really been in much of her life. She is wholly who she is as reflected here. The crown is a part but the entirety of her life."
Someone else added: "Interesting. I prefer the King's portrait. The arrangement of the Queen's robe looks awkward with the crown resting on top of it, so it would tumble off if she moved. It does look more like a photo too."
A third also replied: "Camilla's portrait is incredible and looks like a photograph. But I prefer KC3'S portrait, it has more depth and character."
(Image: Getty Images/Chris Jackson)
The portraits will remain on display at the National Gallery until June 5, after which they'll be transferred to their permanent residence in Buckingham Palace's illustrious Throne Room.
It has been two years since King Charles and Queen Camilla had their Coronation in the historic setting of Westminster Abbey, an occasion watched by millions worldwide. The King recently opened up about the "daunting and at times frightening" journey of a cancer diagnosis before hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace in honour of various cancer charities.
King Charles faced his own health scare last February following three nights at The London Clinic in Marylebone for a procedure related to an enlarged prostate. It was there that tests would subsequently reveal he had cancer.
His Majesty shared his personal thoughts by saying: "Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones. 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.
"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. 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."