Charles and Camilla unveil state portraits of coronation

Portraits of the King and Queen commissioned to mark their coronation were unveiled by the couple yesterday.

- TONY JONES

Charles and Camilla gave the world the first glimpse of the separate fulllength state portraits on display at the National Gallery, with artist Peter Kuhfeld saying he hoped his depiction of the monarch captured “the man and the King”.

Paul S Benney painted the Queen, who was joined by her daughter Laura Lopes, and he said about Camilla: “She said nothing but wonderful things about it, more importantly, Laura liked it – you know when the kids like I,t you’re probably on the right track.”

The Queen could be heard telling the artist, “I think it’s really lovely.”

The monarch and his wife were crowned two years ago on 6 May 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.”