King Charles unveils his first official portrait since coronation as he continues cancer treatment

The monarch has showcased his first post-coronation portrait, just weeks after returning to public duties amid his cancer battle.

King Charles has unveiled his first official portrait since his coronation with a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The painting is by Jonathan Yeo who is known for portraits of Australian actor Nicole Kidman as well as Paris Hilton, Grayson Perry, and Cara Delevingne.

Mr Yeo was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’ 50 years as a member of charitable institution The Drapers’ Company in 2022, reports The Sun.

The fiery red portrait depicts His Majesty wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was made Regimental Colonel in 1975.

The canvas size – approximately 2.6 metres by 2 metres framed – was carefully considered to fit within the architecture of Drapers’ Hall and the context of the paintings it will eventually hang alongside.

The first official portrait of Charles as King has been unveiled. Picture: Supplied

The monarch showcased it during a small ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Supplied

Mr Yeo had four sittings with the King, beginning when His Majesty was Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, his country home, and later at Clarence House in London.

The last sitting took place in November 2023 at Clarence House.

Mr Yeo also worked from drawings and photography he took of the King, allowing him to work on the portrait in his London studio between sittings.

“It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation,” the artist said.

“When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.

“I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter’s face.

“In this case, my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st century monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject’s deep humanity,” said Mr Yeo.

“I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King.”

At Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, the King and Queen meet The Master of The Drapers’ Company, Tom Harris and Past Master, William Charnley.

Together they said say a few words after the unveiling.

The King in full regalia in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace following the coronation. Picture: Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace via Getty Images

The portrait will go on public display for a month at the Philip Mould Gallery in London, from May 16 until June 14.

The artwork is expected to be displayed at Drapers’ Hall from the end of August.

Others painted by Mr Yeo include Doreen Lawrence, actors Nicole Kidman, Giancarlo Esposito, Dennis Hopper, Idris Elba and Sienna Miller, artists Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry, supermodel Cara Delevingne, as well as former world leaders Tony Blair, David Cameron, Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Juan Manuel Santos.

He has also previously produced commissions of Prince Philip and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

Official portrait photographs were released of King Charles following his coronation in May 2023.

The King, wearing the Robes of his Estate, is seen on his throne holding the dazzling Orb in his left hand and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross in his right.

King Charles is pictured wearing the Imperial State Crown which he donned for the ­carriage ride from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace and when he waved to crowds from the balcony.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as King Charles unveils his first official portrait since coronation as he continues cancer treatment