The King and Queen have unveiled their official Coronation portraits — exactly two years after they were crowned at Westminster Abbey.
The paintings will hang for six weeks in the National Gallery’s central hall before moving to Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.
King Charles praised his portrait’s “wonderful composition”. Camilla beamed: “I just love it.”
Painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benney — both handpicked by the royals, the works mark a bold new addition to Britain’s centuries-old tradition of regal portraiture.
Camilla was joined by her daughter, Laura Lopes, for the unveiling, who called the portrait “very flattering”. The Queen, laughing, replied: “Don’t say it’s very flattering! I just love it.”
Charles, in full regalia with the Imperial State Crown, is portrayed as contemplative.
“I have tried to produce a painting that is both human and regal,” said Kuhfeld, who has known the King for over 40 years.
He said he hoped his depiction of the monarch captured “the man and the King”.
The artist revealed the State Crown had its own sittings — and that even his granddaughter was startled by the painting, exclaiming: “Oh! It’s the King!”
Benney, who worked from a temporary studio at Clarence House for nearly a year, said: “It was an honour and a privilege… I shall miss the quiet and relaxed atmosphere.”
Their Majesties arrived to trumpets by the Household Cavalry at the newly-refurbished Sainsbury Wing — the very space Charles once called “a monstrous carbuncle” in 1984.
They toured the new galleries, met donors and supporters — including broadcaster Andrew Marr — and viewed royal masterpieces including The Triumphs of Caesar, requested personally by the King.
On the second anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, two commissioned Coronation State Portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla have been unveiled in the Central Hall at the National Gallery.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 6, 2025
The King chose to be painted by Peter Kuhfeld and The Queen selected Paul… pic.twitter.com/cVMz0lFM4Y
Eight-year-old Maria Finaldi, niece of the gallery’s director, handed Camilla a posy.
“Thank you, they’re my favourite flowers, and that’s a very good curtsey,” the Queen smiled.
The monarch and his wife were crowned two years ago on May 6 during a Westminster Abbey ceremony steeped in symbolism and history watched by millions.
Charles, 76, was the country’s longest serving heir to the throne and the day after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, he pledged his whole life in service as the new sovereign saying: “That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
The artists were chosen by the King and Queen with Mr Kuhfeld having known Charles for more than 40 years, and their portraits will be hung in the gallery until June 5 before moving to their permanent home in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.
