The Two Sets Of Coronation Portraits: Unveiling The Hidden Meaning Behind King Charles And Queen Camilla's Official Images

The official coronation portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla represent more than just a historical record; they are a carefully curated visual statement marking the dawn of a new reign and, most recently, a continuation of a centuries-old tradition. As of late 2025, the world has been presented with two distinct sets of official portraits—the iconic post-coronation photographs and the newly unveiled state paintings—each offering a unique perspective on the new monarch and his consort. This dual approach provides a fascinating study in royal image-making, blending the immediacy of modern photography with the gravitas of classical portraiture.

The latest update, which has captivated the art world and royal watchers alike, is the unveiling of the official painted portraits, a tradition that follows the coronation by a period of time to allow for the careful work of the chosen artists. These two sets of images—one captured in a moment of triumph, the other painstakingly rendered over months—serve as the definitive visual legacy of the May 2023 Coronation.

The Immediate Aftermath: Hugo Burnand's Iconic Photographic Portraits

The first and most widely circulated set of images were the official photographs taken immediately following the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. These images, captured by renowned royal photographer Hugo Burnand, were taken in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, specifically the Throne Room and the Green Drawing Room, and released to the public shortly after the historic event.

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The Master of the Moment: Photographer Hugo Burnand

Hugo Burnand is a familiar name to the Royal Family, having previously photographed the wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2005, as well as the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. His selection for the coronation photos cemented his role as the definitive photographer of this royal era. Burnand’s style is known for its classical composition, which lends a timeless quality to his work, perfectly suited for the historical significance of the occasion.

King Charles III: Full Regalia and Royal Power

The solo portrait of King Charles III is a powerful image of a monarch newly invested with the full authority of his office. The setting is the Throne Room, a location steeped in history and symbolism. The King is seated, looking directly at the camera, conveying both solemnity and determination. Key details include:

• The Imperial State Crown: The King is wearing the most famous of all crowns, used at the end of the coronation service and for State Openings of Parliament.
• The Robe of Estate: He is draped in the magnificent purple silk velvet Robe of Estate, worn upon leaving Westminster Abbey.
• The Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre: The King is holding the Sovereign's Orb and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, two of the most significant pieces of the Crown Jewels, symbolizing his temporal and spiritual power.

Queen Camilla: Majesty and Continuity

In her individual portrait, Queen Camilla is equally majestic, photographed in the Green Drawing Room. Her image is a testament to the continuity of the monarchy and her new role as Queen. She is pictured wearing:

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• Queen Mary's Crown: The Queen Consort is wearing Queen Mary's Crown, a historic piece re-used for the occasion and set with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds.
• The Robe of Estate: Like the King, she is wearing her own Robe of Estate, a garment of rich purple velvet.
• The Coronation Dress: The portrait offers a clearer view of her coronation dress, a white silk gown designed by Bruce Oldfield, featuring embroidered motifs of her beloved dogs and the names of her children and grandchildren.

The Unveiling of the State Paintings: Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney

In a move that underscores the enduring tradition of royal art, the official painted State Portraits were unveiled on May 6, 2025, two years to the day after the coronation. These paintings, commissioned by the Royal Collection Trust, are intended to be a permanent, artistic record of the new reign, joining the ranks of historic royal portraits. The choice of artists for these works was highly significant, as they were chosen directly by the King and Queen themselves.

The Artists and Their Vision

The commission was split between two highly respected British artists, both of whom have a pre-existing relationship with the Royal Family:

• King Charles III by Peter Kuhfeld: Peter Kuhfeld, known for his traditional, naturalistic style, was chosen by the King. His portrait captures the King in his coronation robes, emphasizing a sense of calm authority and depth. Kuhfeld's work is characterized by its subtle use of light and color, offering a more intimate, yet still formal, representation of the monarch.
• Queen Camilla by Paul S. Benney: Paul S. Benney, known for his expressive and often dramatic approach to portraiture, was selected by the Queen. Her painting is said to reflect her personal warmth while maintaining the necessary regality of her office. Benney’s ability to capture the sitter’s character through bold brushwork makes his portrait a striking contemporary addition to the Royal Collection.

The Significance of the Painted Portraits

Unlike the Hugo Burnand photographs, which had to be taken quickly after the service, the painted portraits allowed the artists months to work, often with sittings and studies. This process results in a deeper, more interpretive work of art. The unveiling at the National Gallery in London highlighted the cultural importance of these pieces, placing them in dialogue with centuries of British art history. These paintings serve as a powerful reminder that while the monarchy adapts to the digital age, the formal, symbolic power of a traditional oil painting remains paramount for a lasting historical record.

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Topical Authority: Key Entities and the Royal Image

The creation and release of the coronation portraits are a masterclass in managing the royal image in the modern world, meticulously balancing tradition with accessibility. The sheer number of entities involved, from the historical setting to the modern media release, reinforces the topical authority of the event.

The portraits were not limited to just the King and Queen. Hugo Burnand also captured a significant group portrait of the working members of the Royal Family—including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal—in the Throne Room, symbolizing the future and stability of the monarchy. This image, alongside the individual and joint portraits, forms the complete visual narrative of the new monarch's accession.

The careful selection of regalia—the Imperial State Crown, the Robe of Estate, the Sovereign's Orb, and the Sceptre—is deliberate, connecting King Charles III directly to his predecessors and the ancient line of British monarchs. The dual release of photographic and painted works ensures that the Coronation is documented across different mediums, satisfying both the public’s immediate curiosity for a fresh image and the historical need for a timeless, artistic record.

The official portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla are more than just pictures; they are political, historical, and artistic documents that will define the early years of this new era. Whether viewed in the immediate, striking clarity of a Hugo Burnand photograph or the subtle, enduring texture of a Peter Kuhfeld or Paul S. Benney painting, they successfully capture the majesty, solemnity, and continuity of the Crown.