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Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King Charles and Queen Camilla Unveil Coronation Portraits on Second Anniversary of Crowning Ceremony
King Charles and Queen Camilla unveiled new portraits of themselves at The National Gallery in London on Tuesday, May 6 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 Related: King Charles to Reveal Inside Glimpse of His Life in Unique Exhibition of Art from Overseas Tours 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. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! 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. Read the original article on People
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
World's largest and oldest occupied castle has over 1,000 rooms and is in the UK
Windsor Castle, situated in Berkshire, has been home to British kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years - it's the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world While it's tricky to pin down the exact number of castles worldwide, estimates suggest there are at least a million still standing. This doesn't account for ruins or lost castles. However, identifying the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle is straightforward - and it's just a stone's throw from London. Windsor Castle, nestled in Berkshire, has been the residence of British monarchs for nearly a millennium. The Royal Collection Trust confirms it as the world's oldest and largest occupied castle, still functioning as a Royal residence today. Its construction began around 1070, shortly after the Norman conquest, under the reign of William the Conqueror. By 1086, the fortress was complete. Over the centuries, it evolved into a Royal palace and is now one of the globe's most iconic castles, reports the Express. Authentic Vacations experts reveal that it boasts over 1,000 rooms, including state apartments, a chapel, a Royal library, and more than 300 fireplaces. Currently, it houses over 500 residents and staff, ranging from chefs and gardeners to butlers and librarians. At least 40 monarchs have resided there, and many significant Royal events have occurred within its walls, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at St George's Chapel. Delving into its earlier history, Edward III transformed Windsor into a grand Gothic palace in the 14th century. In the 1800s, George IV instigated significant alterations to the castle, including elevating the Round Tower and crafting the Grand Staircase. The Royal Collection Trust reveals that these renovations alone cost nearly £300,000 - a staggering amount for the era. The castle was hit by a devastating fire in 1992, causing damage to several rooms, including St George's Hall and the Grand Reception Room. Restoration efforts took five years, concluding in 1997, with further work carried out in subsequent years. In 2020, the Inner Hall was reopened as part of a new visitor route. Nowadays, Windsor Castle attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. As per the Royal Collection Trust, entry fees are £31 for adults, £20 for young people aged 18–24, and £15.50 for children when booked in advance. These tickets grant access to the State Apartments, St George's Chapel, and The Semi-State Rooms when they are open. Windsor Castle remains open to visitors all year round.
