King Charles III unveiled the first official portrait of himself on Tuesday.
The King and his wife Queen Camilla were on hand as the portrait was unveiled at the Buckingham Palace.
The portrait, which stands over six feet tall, was painted over the course of three years by Jonathan Yeo, a U.K.-based artist, according to the Palace.
Meanwhile, the painting and its bold red tone quickly drew mixed reactions online, including in the comments section of the Palace’s Instagram post about the portrait.
See the video of the painting’s unveiling:
See the comments:
No offense but that is a very grim portrait.
— Clairina Paquette (@ClairinaPaq) May 14, 2024
Hé looks quite content in the depths of hell …
— Jane (@Jane83366523) May 14, 2024
It’s hideous – a blood bath!
— Lisa (@aquitainexox) May 14, 2024
well he said he wanted to be a tampon
now he is forever immortalized as one
— Mia (@MiaCarlaNY) May 14, 2024
Oh dear!
Sorry but too much blood like red otherwise I like the composition, butterfly idea.
Interesting that he painted Camilla in full grey and Charles in blood.🩸
— Denny Wright (@DennyTWright) May 14, 2024
is it just me or is this painting creepy
— Abby Libby (@abbythelibb_) May 14, 2024
Is this a joke? That painting is wack. My 9 y/o could do better. He looks like a Dungeons & Dragons villain 👎🏻
— JW (@icecoldhodl) May 14, 2024
Does the red colour represent all of the new Brexit red tape we’ve tangled ourselves up in? 👀
— Tobi (@TobiFrenzen) May 14, 2024
To me, and I love the royal family and England, I interpret that as the monarchy having blood on its hands from a century of colonialism. I don’t think it’s right.
— Unaffiliated (@LogicalNutcase) May 14, 2024
Charles looks like he is on fire, this is very odd at best.
WTF 🤣
— Maile (@MailePRMedia) May 14, 2024
Despite the unsparing criticisms, there are commendations also:
I absolutely love it! It’s so good to see a fresh take on portraiture that actually works
— Prince & Princess of Wales 𝕏 (@TribesBritannia) May 14, 2024
Those who understand art know that this portrait is near perfection. So many hidden messages too.
Image is not for shallow thinkers.
Excellent portrait of His Majesty The King. @RealJonathanYeo
— Queer Lips of Truth (@einstein_evans) May 14, 2024
Unsure why the artist had to cover an otherwise good portrait, with red paint.
— Eleanor (@eleanorzjames) May 14, 2024
Wow that is gorgeous.
— The Queen’s shudder Ms. Blowana (@Msblowana) May 14, 2024
Absolutely love this portrait! Outstanding.
— clara bow darrow (@BowDarrow) May 14, 2024
Art is subjective and that’s why I love it! This is one fine art piece. Unique. Red symbolizes passion. It’s powerful! 🙌
— Fifi ❤️ The Waleses (@hellen3030) May 14, 2024
