“He is burning in hell:” Netizens react to King Charles’ first official portrait
Web Desk
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15 May 2024
The first official portrait of the United Kingdom’s reigning monarch King Charles III was unveiled on Tuesday, prompting widespread disgust with its appearance and leaving many perplexed about the painter's intended message.
The oil painting which depicts King Charles donning the Welsh Guards uniform, was crafted by Jonathan Yeo, known for his portraits of figures such as Tony Blair, Sir David Attenborough, and Malala Yousafzai.
The canvas is awash in red colour, from which the silhouette of Prince Charles emerges, which the netizens found unsettling and eerie.
While some openly expressed their disapproval of the portrait, the painter received praise from both the Queen and the Palace for his work.
The King attended a total of four sittings, each lasting approximately an hour, with the last session taking place at Clarence House in November 2023. The sittings concluded before the King's cancer diagnosis.
During these sessions, King Charles wore his complete Welsh Guards uniform and had to stand, leaning on his sword, for about 40 minutes each time.
Historically, royal portraits have played an important role in symbolising authority and shaping public perception. They were instrumental tools in maintaining the monarch's grandeur and legitimacy.
Some critics further delved into interpreting various meanings behind the portrayal of the king, stating that the somber tone of the painting symbolises a legacy of colonisation.
“It is the ugliest thing I have ever seen” an ‘X” user wrote.
King Charles has unveiled the first official portrait of himself since his coronation.
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) May 14, 2024
It is the ugliest thing I have ever seen…
pic.twitter.com/yzKOcIfCy5
"King Charles royal portrait to hang in the castle. is this mess? Looks like his grandkids helped color it in with crayons. Lots of weird hidden things in it. An eye. Looks like a woman screaming to the left of it. Probably Kate. Charles in hell? Weirdness," a post read on X.
King Charles royal portrait to hang in the castle. WTF is this mess? Looks like his grandkids helped color it in with crayons. Lots of weird hidden things in it. An eye. Looks like a woman screaming to the left of it. Probably Kate. Charles in hell? Weirdness. 🤨 pic.twitter.com/dPkEb85mCG
— Donald Marshall (@DMofficialtruth) May 15, 2024
King Charles new portrait is absolutely fecking hideous, looks like he is burning in hell. pic.twitter.com/grp60amVn0
— JmRoyle #LFC #YNWA #BLM #REJOINEU (@MyArrse) May 14, 2024
King Charles just unveiled the first official portrait of himself since the coronation.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 14, 2024
What the bloody hell is this? pic.twitter.com/nD2qKhDq22
Younger audience members react to the unveiling of the new portrait of King Charles... pic.twitter.com/JgKGzz55zo
— Michael🌱 Ⓥ #FBPE.🇺🇦 (@changed_gear) May 14, 2024
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