King Charles and Queen Camilla unveil coronation portraits to mark second anniversary

King Charles and Queen Camilla have marked the second anniversary of their coronation by unveiling their new state portraits.

Their Majesties’ visit to the National Gallery in London on Tuesday – Charles’ first since becoming King – also marked the re-opening of the Sainsbury Wing after a two-year transformation project.

They arrived to some royal fanfare from the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry Band, which was designed to echo the welcome Queen Elizabeth II received when she opened the original Sainsbury Wing in 1991.

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The King and Queen made their way to the central hall, where the new portraits will be on display until June when they move to their permanent home in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.

The King appropriately wore a blue tie with little castles all over it with his blue pinstripe suit.

Queen Camilla donned a red dress with a diamond brooch pinned to her chest.

The couple unveiled the portraits at the same time, simultaneously pulling the covers off the paintings, which depict Their Majesties in their robes of state, alongside their crowns.

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The King and Queen each selected their own artists for their coronation state portraits, which are a royal tradition dating back centuries.

His Majesty chose to be painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Queen Camilla selected Paul S Benney.

Both artists are known to the King and Queen already, having previously contributed to other royal commissions, so it was no surprise to hear the royals were thrilled when they finally saw the images.

“I just love it,” Queen Camilla said.

King Charles praised the “wonderful composition” of his.

Kuhfeld gave some insight into what happened behind the scenes of his creation, which took more than 18 months to complete.

“His Majesty gave of his time with his usual graciousness and attention to detail, and we discussed certain aspects of the painting,” he said.

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“He gave me five sittings in total, not including the painting of the Imperial State Crown. The State Crown had its own sittings!”

Kuhfeld has known King Charles for over 40 years and was first commissioned by the royal to pain Princes William and Harry when they were just five and three, respectively.

For Benney, it took almost a year to bring the portrait of Queen Camilla to life, after creating a temporary work space in the couple’s private home.

“After nearly a year of being installed in a temporary studio at Clarence House, I have deep and abiding memories of many hours of fascinating and sometime hilarious conversation with Her Majesty on countless varied subjects,” he said.

“I shall miss the quiet and relaxed atmosphere while I was working there even when Their Majesties were engaged elsewhere.”

Following their showing at the National Gallery, royal fans will be able to see the state portraits inside the Buckingham Palace during the summer opening of the state rooms, which will take place this year from July 10 to September 28.

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