First official portrait of Charles III unveiled: in red and with a butterfly

The first official portrait of Charles III of England, by painter Jonathan Yeo (London, 1970), one of the best-known contemporary portrait painters, was unveiled today. The painting was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’ 50th birthday as a member of the Drapers’ Company in 2022, but was not completed until after his coronation, and consequently can be considered his first portrait as King of England.

The portrait depicts Charles III while wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was appointed regimental colonel in 1975. This also explains the red color of the background: it is the color of Wales. On the shoulder, a butterfly can be seen: it seems to have been requested by Charles himself, to emphasize his closeness to the environment, and to include in the portrait an element that would identify him in a strong and unique way. The dimensions of the canvas (about two and a half by two meters) were carefully considered to fit the architecture of Drapers Hall.

Jonathan Yeo has had four meetings with the king, beginning when he was Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, and later at Clarence House. The last session took place in November 2023 at Clarence House. Yeo also worked on drawings and photographs taken of Charles III, which allowed him to work on the portrait in his London studio between sessions.

“When I started this project,” said the artist, “His Majesty the King was still His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and just like the butterfly I painted poised on his shoulders, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has changed. I do my best to capture the life experiences and humanity imprinted on the face of each individual subject, and I hope that is what I have achieved in this portrait. Trying to capture this for His Majesty the King, who holds such a unique role, was an extraordinary professional challenge in which I had a great deal of fun and for which I am immensely grateful.”

The king and queen consort attended the opening and were greeted on arrival by Drapers’ Company master, Tom Harris, and former master, William Charnley. Together they were joined by Jonathan Yeo who spoke a few words of thanks after the king unveiled the portrait. The artist spoke of his gratitude for receiving “the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment when he became king.” The portrait will now remain on public display for a month at the Philip Mold Gallery in London, from May 16 to June 14. After that, the artwork is scheduled to be displayed at Drapers’ Hall from the end of August.

The portrait of Charles

First official portrait of Charles III unveiled: in red and with a butterfly

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