On 8 May, Buckingham Palace released the first official portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, two days after their coronation ceremony.
The photographs were captured by photographer Hugo Burnand at the Throne Room and Green Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace. Burnand, who also took the couple's wedding portrait in 2005, portrayed the newly crowned British monarch and Queen in their regal attire.
More than 2,000 dignitaries attended the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, including Malaysia’s constitutional monarch, His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Buckingham Palace released four official portraits, including a solo portrait of King Charles III, wearing the Robe of Estate and the Imperial State Crown. He is seen holding the Sovereign’s Orb and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross in the photo, seated in a throne chair that dates back to 1902, made for King George V and Queen Mary for King Edward VII’s coronation.
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The second solo portrait is of Queen Camilla, wearing Queen Mary’s Crown and the Robe of Estate. In addition, the King and the Queen posed for a portrait together, marking their first official portrait as monarchs. The photos were taken by Hugo Burnand, who previously took their wedding portrait in 2005, at Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room and Green Drawing Room after their coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Over 2,000 dignitaries, including Malaysia’s constitutional monarch, attended the ceremony.
In the fourth photograph released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla are surrounded by the working members of the British royal family. The group includes Prince Edward, Duke of Kent; Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester; Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester; Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge; Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
The Royal Family shared the photos on their official social media accounts, accompanied by a statement from King Charles III.
“As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion,” read the statement that was accompanied by one of the pictures, showing the king and the queen in full ceremonial regalia and their respective crowns.
“We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible,” the king added.
“To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one. To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth,” concluded the statement, which was signed “Charles R.”
