King Charles and Queen Camilla Unveil Coronation Portraits on Second Anniversary of Crowning Ceremony
The artwork by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney was revealed exactly two years after the pair were crowned at Westminster Abbey
Charles is seen posing in his Robe of State in his painting, while Camilla is shown in her coronation dress
King Charles and Queen Camilla are unveiling two very special paintings on an exciting day.
The King and Queen jointly pulled the strings to reveal their coronation portraits in the Central Hall of the National Gallery in London on May 6, the second anniversary of their crowning ceremony.
King Charles, 76, is seen in his painting wearing his Robe of State, which he wore while entering Westminster Abbey for the coronation service, in his portrait by Peter Kuhfeld. The artist has known the King for decades and painted Prince William and Prince Harry when they were young boys.
Standing alongside the Imperial State Crown, Charles is also shown wearing his naval uniform (Number 1 Ceremonial Day Dress) with medals and decorations. He is depicted in the Throne Room of St. James's Palace for his portrait, where he sat for two of his five sittings in the State Apartments. His other sittings took place at Windsor Castle.
Chris Jackson/Getty Charles and Camilla unveil their Coronation State Portraits at the National Gallery on May 6, 2025
Charles and Camilla unveil their Coronation State Portraits at the National Gallery on May 6, 2025
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Queen Camilla was painted by Paul S. Benney wearing her coronation dress, which was designed by Bruce Oldfield. Made of ivory-colored silk, it features silver and gold embroidered floral designs, representing the couple's affection for nature.
Camilla's Robe of Estate is included in the portrait alongside her crown, formally known as Queen Mary's Crown, as it was originally created for the coronation of Queen Mary in 1911.
She sat for her portrait artist six times in the Garden Room at Clarence House.
Kuhfeld revealed in a statement that it took him a year to complete the painting. Painting Charles' sons was the first of what would become many commissions.
"I subsequently accompanied him on many of his foreign tours (as the tour artist). When he became King in 2022, I was delighted and honored to be commissioned by him to paint his official Coronation State Portrait," said Kuhfeld.
"I have tried to produce a painting that is both human and regal, continuing the tradition of royal portraiture," he continued. "His Majesty gave of his time with his usual graciousness and attention to detail, and we discussed certain aspects of the painting."
Chris Jackson/Getty A closer look at the two Coronation State portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla, at the National Gallery, London on May 6, 2025
A closer look at the two Coronation State portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla, at the National Gallery, London on May 6, 2025
Benney set up shop in the royal couple's London residence, Clarence House, for much of the time he was working on Camilla's portrait.
"It is with some regret that the sittings for this important commission have come to end," he said in a statement. "After nearly a year of being installed in a temporary studio at Clarence House, I have deep and abiding memories of many hours of fascinating and sometimes hilarious conversation with Her Majesty on countless varied subjects.
"I shall miss the quiet and relaxed atmosphere while I was working there even when Their Majesties were engaged elsewhere," he added.
Benney explained, 'My guiding principles in this commission were to both acknowledge the grand and historic nature of the coronation iconography with all the equipage of the monarchy and at the same time reveal the humanity and empathy of such an extraordinary person taking on an extraordinary role.'
Related: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Make Rare Appearance for Historic VE Day Outing
The portraits, which will become part of the Royal Collection, will be on show at The National Gallery until June 5 before being moved to their permanent home in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. They will then be able to be viewed during the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at the palace, which runs from July 10 to Sept. 28.
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The portrait unveilings came a day after King Charles led the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.
A week of celebrations is set to continue with a service of national remembrance at Westminster Abbey, which will be attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
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