A new portrait of King Charles III has been revealed by the British government for use in schools and government buildings.
The photograph, taken in November 2023 by Hugo Burnand at Windsor Castle, will be displayed as a way “to strengthen civic pride.”
The King is seen in his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet with his many medals and decorations.
The new image will replace those of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In April 2023, the Cabinet Office said government entities like police stations and schools could apply for a free, framed portrait of His Majesty. This was part of the £8 million government plan to celebrate the King’s new reign.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said at the time that this was to “remember what unites us” and to “strengthen civic pride.”
He added that he hopes as many organisations as possible will receive a portrait of His Majesty: “Displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant.”
However, this initiative has not been without criticism.
The anti-monarchy campaign group Republic called it a “shameful waste of money.”
Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said: “At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.
“The government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.”
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