In a flurry of reactions following the unveiling of King Charles’ portrait at Buckingham Palace, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s personal photographer, Millie Pilkington, has offered her perspective on the latest addition to the royal gallery.
King Charles revealed the portrait on Tuesday, showcasing himself adorned in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, a nod to his role as Regimental Colonel since 1975.
The painting, destined for Drapers’ Hall in London, marks the monarch’s first official portrait since his coronation alongside Queen Camilla on May 6 last year.
Millie Pilkington’s response to the portrait was succinct yet telling. Her comment, a simple “Wow,” reflects a mixture of admiration and perhaps surprise at the unveiling.
However, her reaction was just the beginning as social media quickly became a battleground of contrasting opinions.
While some lauded the portrait for its portrayal of the monarch, others took issue with specific elements, particularly the vibrant red background, which some found “disturbing.”
One commenter went so far as to dub it “the worst royal portrait” they had ever seen, while another praised the artist’s capture of King Charles’ essence but critiqued the harshness of the background against the softness of his expression.
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The portrait, crafted by artist Jonathan Yeo, was commissioned in 2020 to commemorate the then Prince of Wales’ 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company, culminating in its unveiling amid both acclaim and criticism.
As the public discourse surrounding the portrait continues to unfold, it underscores the nuanced relationship between art, perception, and public opinion within the royal sphere.
While some find resonance and appreciation in Yeo’s portrayal, others are left questioning the artistic choices and their alignment with the monarch’s persona.
