The first official portrait of King Charles-III has been revealed

The artist of the photo hoped to capture the monarchs “warmth and empathy”

When it comes to being the member of the royal family, there are countless traditions to follow, many
of which date back centuries. Everything from holidays to birthdays has some sort of traditional element
to it including some lesser known traditions like swan upping.

One royal tradition is the execution of official royal family portraits . Infact royal portraits begin in 15th
century and have survived and evolved in the modern day.

The late Queen Elizabeth-II had 960 official royal portraits done over her 70-year reign. Now, ahead of
King Charles-III’s coronation, we have a glimpse at his newest portrait.

Is there an official portrait of King Charles-III?

Yes there is now an official portrait of King Charles-III. Prior to his coronation on May 6- the portrait-
featured below is the first official portrait of the king since becoming monarch. Historic magazine
Illustrated London News commissioned the portrait in honor of its Coronation Edition issue.

Unveiled in London, the oil painting presents the King in a blue pinstrip suit with his hand in his pocket, a
light pink tie, similarly light pocket square and a bracelet that maintains a special context behind it. The
bracelet was given to King Charles by Domingo Peas, an Amazon indigenous leader.

“ The artist included the bracelet to give the portrait context and authenticity, a symbol of King’s
advocacy on climate change and sustainability. ” Illustrated London News wrote in their official release
of the portrait. Throughout the painting, the artist includes several intentional details.

Who Painted King Charles’ Official Portrait?

Alastair Barford, an artist who is no stranger to producing royal portraits, painted the upclose image, an
endeavor Barford called “ a terrifying honor” after studying the monarch at a Buckingham Palace
reception promoting biodiversity, Barford completed the painting in just two weeks.

“ It’s a great responsibility to create a portrait of someone who means so much to so many people. I also
felt disbelief and, until I physically stood near the King in Buckingham Palace, I wasn’t entirely convinced
the commission would materialize ” Barford says of the work.

Barford additionally expressed that he wanted to create a “more personal and intimate portrait of the
man”. Rather than the role of the monarch Barford aims to focus on the “warmth and empathy ” of the
King.

What other Monarch has Barford painted a portrait of?

In 2015, Barford created an portrait of Queen Elizabeth-II. The painting was again commissioned by
Illustrated London News. This time the portait honored Queen Elizabeth’s feat of becoming the longest
reigning Monarch of Britain. At the time, it was Barford’s first commission.

Next, take a look at some photos of Queen Elizabeth before she became Monarch.