A royal portrait of King Charles is unveiled, to be hung in town halls, schools and police stations across the country
Schools, town halls and police forces are today encouraged by a senior minister to display this new portrait of the king.
Oliver Dowden said the photo of Charles in ceremonial dress – unveiled today – was a reminder of the example set by 'our ultimate public servant'.
The deputy prime minister told the Mail that the photo will hang on the wall of the cabinet where he works – and he wants other government agencies to also take up the offer of a free framed copy for their buildings.
“The tradition of placing a portrait of the monarch in our public buildings is long and important,” he said.
'These images give a familiar human side to a thousand-year-old institution that is central to our national identity and is admired worldwide.'
Admiral of the Fleet: The King wears a naval uniform and full regalia in his official new portrait
Just as the face on stamps, coins and banknotes has changed over the past year from that of the late Queen to her son, the new King, Mr Dowden said now is the time to hang portraits of His Majesty in public buildings.
Organizations such as schools, courts, major local authorities, police forces, fire brigades and Whitehall departments can now request a free copy of the photo.
Next month the scheme will also be extended to Ministry of Defense cadet units and parish councils. Public bodies will receive an A3 paper copy of the new photo in a glazed oak frame under the £8 million programme, which was announced last year.
The king's portrait, taken at Windsor Castle by photographer Hugo Burnand in 2023, shows him in a naval uniform with full regalia.
He is decked out in the uniform of an admiral of the fleet, known as No. 1 Tailcoat. The decorations he is wearing in the photo include the Garter Star, Thistle Star, the Bath Sovereign crest, the Order of Merit and the Royal Victorian Chain.
It is in stark contrast to fashion photographer Rankin's more relaxed black-and-white portrait that was published last fall to mark Charles' 75th birthday.
Oliver Dowden said the photo of Charles in ceremonial dress – unveiled today – is a reminder of the example of 'our ultimate public servant'
“The display of this new portrait serves as a reminder of the example of our ultimate public servant,” said Mr Dowden. “Like his mother before him, the king has dedicated his life and work to serving others.
'We can see the effects of this in the Prince's Trust – now the King's Trust – or through its pioneering commitment to conservation and community dialogue.
'I hope that as many eligible organizations as possible will continue this tradition and proudly display the new King's portrait.'