The King spends so much time in Scotland and a new portrait has now immortalised his affection for our country.
This portrait of the King was unveiled today by the Princess Royal at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh(Image: Millie Pilkington/Buckingham Palace/PA)
A new portrait of King Charles has been unveiled at the Scottish Parliament “as a reminder of his love of Scotland the connection he has with Scots”.
The photographic portrait, which was taken in the Sunken Garden of Balmoral Castle, was presented for the first time by Princess Anne who was in Holyrood on Friday, September 26 to do the honours.
The photo shows the King wearing his own tartan, pictured with a handcrafted stick which was a gift from the Mey Highland Games. It was taken in 2024 by photographer Millie Pilkington to mark the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
Holyrood’s Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone joined the Princess Royal for the unveiling.
Ms Johnstone said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Scottish Parliament to unveil this portrait of His Majesty The King.
The Princess Royal unveils a new portrait of King Charles III during a visit to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood(Image: PA)
“The portrait will hang in the Parliament’s main hall, greeting the many thousands of visitors who come through our doors every year.
“It’s a striking image which is a reminder of His Majesty’s love of Scotland and the affectionate connection he has with the country and its people.”
A portrait of the late Queen also hangs in the Parliament’s main hall, having being unveiled by Anne in 2011.
Ms Pilkington said: “It was an immense honour to be asked to take an official portrait of His Majesty in Scotland.
“Using the breathtaking backdrop of Balmoral gardens and the Highlands enabled me to reflect the King’s warmth and deep connection to nature and Scotland.”
Balmoral has been the home of the British Royal Family since 1852. Prince Albert bought Balmoral for £32,000 in 1852 (roughly around £4m today), which means it’s privately owned, like Sandringham, and not part of the Crown Estate.
Photographer Millie Pilkington(L), alongside Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP after The Princess Royal unveiled a new portrait of King Charles III(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to adore Balmoral, making the 516-mile journey north every summer to enjoy time off duty with her family at the rambling rural retreat.
It comes after Prince William candidly discussed the “hardest year of his life” in a rare television appearance.
The Prince of Wales joined Canadian comedian and actor Eugene Levy on his new show, The Reluctant Traveller, as Levy journeyed to London for a Royal experience.
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A fresh snippet from the programme, set to premiere on Apple TV on 3 October, has been unveiled, featuring Levy meeting Prince William at Windsor Castle.
The King-in-waiting openly discussed the challenges he and his family have faced over the past year, referencing both King Charles and Princess Kate’s cancer diagnoses within weeks of each other.
In the heartfelt clip, William confesses: “I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had. You know, life is sent to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.”