Royals in residence as new portraits unveiled

THE King said he was delighted with his “wonderful” new Coronation portrait as he and the Queen unveiled the paintings yesterday.

- Emily Ferguson Royal Editor

Charles and Camilla gave the world a first glimpse of the two full-length state portraits, which are being exhibited at the National Gallery’s central hall for the next six weeks.

Revealing the works by artists Peter Kuhfeld, who painted Charles, and Paul S Benney, who depicted Camilla, the monarch praised the “wonderful composition” of his picture while Camilla said of hers: “I just love it.”

They will form part of a long tradition of coronation portraits dating back centuries, with the earliest known example being a painting of James VI and I by Paul van Somer which hangs at Windsor Castle.

After posing for pictures with the artists they chose, Charles and Camilla spoke with them.

Flattering

The King, who is royal patron of the National Gallery, praised Peter’s painting, where he is depicted in Royal Navy uniform and his robe of state with the impressive Imperial State Crown sitting on a cushion beside him.