There’s a new portrait of King Charles III. And while some social media users like the piece, others seem to find it “disturbing.”
On Tuesday, May 14, King Charles unveiled a new portrait of himself at Buckingham Palace. The portrait, which was done by Jonathan Yeo, depicts Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guard. The uniform is red, as is the background, which led many online to point out how “fiery” the piece looks.
🎨Today, The King unveiled a new portrait by @RealJonathanYeo at Buckingham Palace. The painting – commissioned by The Draper’s Company – is the first official portrait to be completed since His Majesty’s Coronation. It will hang in Draper’s Hall in London. pic.twitter.com/yVAK2PQslz
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 14, 2024
Artist Breaks Down Meaning of Painting
Artist Jonathan Yeo released a statement on the piece, where he discussed some of the artistic choices he made. He acknowledged why he included a butterfly in the painting.
“It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation,” Yeo stated.
“When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I’ve painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject’s role in our public life has transformed.”
New King Charles Portrait Sets Internet on Fire
Once the painting hit the web, comments quickly flooded the replies of the Royal Family’s social media accounts.
“Does the first painting represent all the blood on his hands?” one user questioned.
“100% thought this was satire,” another joked.
Other royal watchers noted that the painting looks “slightly disturbing.” Some even claimed that it made King Charles look “like he’s bathing in blood” or “like he’s burning in hell.”