A new official photograph of the King has been released and is set to hang in UK public buildings as part of a contentious £8 million government funding initiative.
Charles was photographed in full regalia inside Windsor Castle wearing his Royal Navy uniform as an Admiral of the Fleet and a profusion of official medals and decorations.
Photographer Hugo Burnand, who also shot the King and Queen’s 2005 wedding pictures and their coronation photographs, photographed the monarch last year.
A serious-looking Charles stands in the royal residence’s Grand Corridor as he rests his right hand on his pristine white gloves on an antique table and grasps a sword in his left.
The official portrait of King Charles III
The official framed portrait of the monarch may now be claimed for free by a number of UK institutions, including councils, courts, schools, police departments, and fire and rescue agencies.
According to the Cabinet Office, the action continues a history in which official images of Queen Elizabeth II were displayed in numerous institutions.
However, when the project was unveiled before to the coronation last year, the anti-monarchy advocacy group Republic called it a “shameful waste of money.”
Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, said: “At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.”
He added: “The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.”
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “The accession of His Majesty The King marked a new chapter in our national story.
“Displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant and I hope as many eligible organisations as possible will wish to continue this proud British tradition and honour our King’s reign.”
The Cabinet Office said: “His Majesty’s accession has marked the beginning of a new reign and the UK Government considers it right that public authorities, as part of the fabric of our nation, have the opportunity to commemorate this moment, strengthen civil pride and reflect the new era in our history.”
On his Admiral of the Fleet (No. 1 Tailcoat), the King is wearing his Garter Collar and Sovereign’s badge and Garter Star, his Thistle Star, the Bath Sovereign’s badge, his Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Order’s Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash, as well as a host of medals on his medal bar.
It is anticipated that the portraits would be distributed this year between February and April.