A new portrait of King Charles in military attire was unveiled to commemorate Armed Forces Day. The photograph, taken in Windsor Castle’s Grand Corridor, shows the monarch seated in his Field Marshal’s ceremonial dress, complete with medals, sword, and decorations.
The unveiling of this image coincides with Queen Camilla’s tribute to members of the armed forces. In a video message, she praised them as a source of inspiration, reassurance, and pride.
According to the BBC, Armed Forces Day, observed on the last Saturday in June, honors veterans, military personnel, and service families. This tradition was established in the UK in the late 2000s.
Photographed in November by Hugo Burnand, renowned for his royal photography, including portraits from King Charles’s 2023 coronation, the image shows the monarch dressed in the Field Marshal’s uniform, the highest rank in the British Army. In his role as monarch, he acts as the ceremonial head of the armed forces.
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During his recent participation in D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France, King Charles wore a tan variant of the Field Marshal’s uniform.
In a video message from Clarence House, Queen Camilla commended the ‘remarkable bravery’ of military personnel who led Europe’s liberation from Nazi Germany in 1944.
She said that 80 years on, the “same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our Armed Forces”, who “undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers”.
The Queen added: “In so doing, you not only protect these Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores.”
“Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude.”
The patron of the British Forces Broadcasting Service charity, involved in the video, expressed appreciation for the families of servicemen and women who manage household affairs while their loved ones are deployed overseas.
Reflecting on her father Major Bruce Shand’s service in North Africa and Dunkirk during World War Two, where he was awarded the Military Cross, the Queen said,” As the daughter of an Army officer, I understand the profound impact military life has on families. You too are heroes.”
“In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our armed forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride – and I salute you all.”