New Royal portraits have been unveiled along with a personal message from His Majesty King Charles III tonight (Monday). The monarch called the nation’s support throughout the weekend's historic celebrations “the greatest possible coronation gift”.
The King and Queen have also pledged to rededicate their lives to service. As the weekend of festivities came to a close, Charles issued a written message, saying: “We thank you, each and every one.”
Traditional official portraits show the King was captured in his full regalia. He is seen wearing the Imperial State Crown, holding the Orb and Sceptre with Cross, and dressed in his regal purple tunic and Robe of Estate, and in one image seated on a Throne Chair in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.
Camilla was pictured alongside the King, and also in a solo portrait, wearing Queen Mary’s Crown. The train of her lengthy embroidered Robe of Estate is spread in front of her.
The working royal family – the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Edinburghs, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra – were also photographed standing with the King and Queen. The new images were taken by Hugo Burnand.
The King, signing his words Charles R, said he and Camilla gave “our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion”.
He added: “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.”
The King also paid 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”.
Meanwhile, Prince Louis turned into a labourer as he joined Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the Prince and Princess of Wales by shovelling dirt, pushing wheelbarrows and operating a digger as they helped out at a Scout Hut in Slough as part of the national volunteering drive to mark the coronation.
Here is the King's message in full:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
