British artist Jonathan Yeo is behind the first portrait of King Charles III since his coronation. His red-hued painting contains subtle references.
The first official portrait of King Charles III was released on Tuesday — just over a year after his coronation on May 6, 2023.
The portrait, painted by British artist Jonathan Yeo, was unveiled by the king at Buckingham Palace. According to a palace release shared with Business Insider, it was first commissioned in 2020 to « celebrate » Charles’ 50 years as a member of The Drapers Company, a UK charity that supports causes including education, prisoner rehabilitation, and elder care.
Yeo and Charles met four times between 2021 and 2023 at the kings’ residences in Highgrove and Clarence House to complete the painting, which will eventually be hung at Drapers’ Hall in London.
Steeped in shades of red, the portrait threw Charles for a bit of a loop when he first saw it in its « half-done state, » Yeo told the BBC Tuesday.
« He was initially mildly surprised by the strong colour, but otherwise he seemed to be smiling approvingly, » he added.
Soon after its debut, the portrait stirred up debate on social media, dividing royal fans into those who enjoy the piece and those who are less appreciative of the artistic direction.
Yeo’s creation hasn’t been a resounding success in the art world, either. The ‘s art critic called it a « stylistic mess, » while an artist and faculty member at the Rhode Island School of Design told Today its red brushstrokes remind him of dripping « blood. »
However, the work of art got the seal of approval from one of the most important people in Charles’ life: Queen Camilla.
According to the BBC, Camilla reacted to seeing it for the first time by saying: « Yes, you’ve got him. »
Like most official royal paintings, Yeo’s interpretation of Charles contains several hidden details and subtle nods to the monarch’s role as the head of state in the UK, his royal lineage, and his personal passions.
