Their Majesties Unveil Historic Coronation Portraits on VE Day 80th Anniversary

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In a momentous occasion marking exactly two years since their historic Coronation, King Charles III and Queen Camilla revealed their official State Portraits yesterday during a special visit to the National Gallery in London.

The royal couple personally unveiled the impressive paintings in the Gallery's Central Hall, drawing spontaneous applause from attendees as the coverings were pulled away to reveal these important historical works.

The King's Portrait: Tradition and Naval Heritage

King Charles's portrait, painted by longtime royal artist Peter Kuhfeld, captures His Majesty in the crimson Robe of State worn during the first part of the Coronation ceremony. The King is depicted in his naval uniform adorned with medals, standing alongside the Imperial State Crown in keeping with centuries of royal portraiture tradition.

The portrait represents the culmination of a close artistic relationship spanning four decades between the King and Kuhfeld, who conducted five formal sittings at St James's Palace over eighteen months, with two additional sessions dedicated solely to capturing the intricate details of the crown.

"I've known His Majesty for many years, which certainly helped during our sessions," Kuhfeld remarked. "He understands precisely what a painter requires to complete such an important commission."

The Queen's Portrait: Elegance and Wit

Queen Camilla's portrait, created by acclaimed artist Paul S. Benney, shows Her Majesty in her exquisite Coronation dress alongside her crown and the Robe of Estate she wore while departing Westminster Abbey following the ceremony.

Benney was granted unprecedented access to Clarence House for the project, where he established a temporary studio and enjoyed six formal sittings with the Queen. The artist spoke warmly of these sessions, describing them as filled with conversation and laughter.

"The Queen has a wonderful sense of humor," Benney shared. "There were moments when I found myself laughing so heartily I had to pause my work."

In a touching moment following the unveiling, the Queen was overheard telling Benney she thought the portrait was "really lovely." Perhaps even more significantly, Her Majesty's daughter Laura Lopes, who attended the event, also expressed her approval – something the artist noted was particularly gratifying.

Royal Reopening of the Sainsbury Wing

The portrait unveiling formed part of a broader royal engagement marking the reopening of the National Gallery's transformed Sainsbury Wing following a two-year renovation project. Their Majesties viewed a newly carved stone inscription commemorating their visit, positioned beneath the original 1991 inscription marking Queen Elizabeth II's opening of the wing.

The royal couple also toured highlights from the Gallery's ambitious new exhibition, "C C Land: The Wonder of Art," which includes over 1,000 works tracing the development of Western European painting from the 13th to 20th centuries. Among the treasures on display are several masterpieces on loan from the Royal Collection, including Mantegna's monumental "Triumphs of Caesar" series.

Sir Gabriele Finaldi, National Gallery Director, expressed delight at welcoming the royal couple "on such a special day," noting the portraits would remain on public display at the Gallery until June 5th before being transferred to the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.

The Sainsbury Wing, which has undergone sensitive renovations to its façade, foyer and mezzanine areas, will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 10th as part of the National Gallery's 200th anniversary celebrations.

Their Majesties concluded their visit with a tour of the new Roden Centre for Creative Learning, one of the largest dedicated gallery learning spaces in the United Kingdom.