May 14th 2024.
In a royal announcement, King Charles III of London has revealed the unveiling of his very first portrait since taking the throne. The vibrant painting, created by renowned artist Jonathan Yeo, depicts the king dressed in the striking red uniform of the Welsh Guards, set against a backdrop of similar hues.
The larger-than-life portrait captures the king with his hands clasped atop his sword and a delicate butterfly fluttering above his right shoulder. His Majesty had the opportunity to view the masterpiece for the first time on Tuesday at Buckingham Palace.
Interestingly, Yeo had begun the portrait over a year before Charles ascended the throne. The initial sitting took place at the prince's Highgrove estate in June 2021, while the final session was held in November 2023 at Clarence House, one of the king's residences in London.
In a statement, Yeo shared, "When I embarked on this project, His Majesty The King was still addressed as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Much like the butterfly I've depicted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved alongside the subject's transformation in the public eye."
The grand portrait, measuring approximately 8 1/2 by 6 1/2 feet, will be showcased at the Philip Mould Gallery in London from May 16 to June 14. After that, it will be displayed at Drapers' Hall in August, located in the heart of the city.
The portrait was commissioned to commemorate Charles' 50 years as a member of the prestigious Drapers' Company, an association established over 600 years ago for wool merchants. Over time, philanthropy has become a significant part of their mission, and the company now serves as a grant-giving organization.
Overall, the portrait serves as a testament to both the king's remarkable reign and the enduring legacy of the Drapers' Company in London's history.
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