The first official portrait of King Charles III since his coronation has been revealed at the Buckingham Palace. The larger-than-life portrait has left the internet divided, sparking intense reactions and comments on social media.
The crimson bathed portrait has been made by artist Jonathan Yeo, and is about 7.5 feet tall and 5.4 feet wide. It shows the monarch with a sword in hand, wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards standing adorned with a lone monarch butterfly resting on his shoulder. Yeo claims that the small creature symbolizes King Charles III’s efforts in environmental conservation initiatives.
The portrait was unveiled by the Monarch himself. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles has resumed limited duties of his state.
The vibrant painting however, has caused a rift online, igniting passionate discussions across social media platforms. The painting reflecting red hues has led many users to refer it as ‘satanic’.
Sharing the picture on X, formerly Twitter, a user wrote’ “King Charles new portrait is absolutely fecking hideous, looks like he is burning in hell.” Another user wrote, “Yes he looks like burning in hell.” An X user called the portrait “grim” and “ugly”.
Britain’s King Charles unveiled the first official portrait of himself since his coronation last May. pic.twitter.com/ghjTCoI5mL
— World Times (@WorldTimesWT) May 14, 2024
“King Charles III unveiling his first official painted portrait since his coronation. The colour red is associated with Satan, the monarch butterfly symbolises mind control, and black eyes in a dream symbolises a demonic entity. When they tell you who they are, believe them,” wrote an X user.
While some claimed it as ‘satanic’ others thought that it grows on you. Some X users found the portrait “unique” and “creative”. Another X user complimented the artist for his intricate work on the Monarch’s face.
The painting is scheduled for display at the Philip Mould Gallery in London for a month beginning on May 16th. Following this exhibition, it will find its permanent home at Drapers Hall, a historic London edifice formerly belonging to King Henry VIII.