A new portrait of His Majesty The King has been unveiled at the Scottish Parliament in a special ceremony attended by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. This stunning photograph, captured by renowned photographer Millie Pilkington, was taken in 2024 at Balmoral Castle and marks the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
The portrait features King Charles III in a moment of quiet reflection in the Sunken Garden at Balmoral Castle. Dressed in a traditional King Charles III tartan, His Majesty holds a handcrafted stick that was gifted to him by the Mey Highland Games, a gesture that highlights both his personal connection to Scotland and his longstanding involvement in Scottish life and culture. This portrait represents a significant moment in time and was commissioned to celebrate the special relationship between the monarchy and the people of Scotland.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place in the Parliament’s Main Hall, was attended by the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP. The Princess Royal, who was visibly proud to unveil the portrait, was also present to celebrate the occasion. This photograph now proudly hangs in the Main Hall, where it will be seen by thousands of visitors each year. The Main Hall, a space rich with history and tradition, now houses not only this portrait but also other significant works of art, cementing the bond between the royal family and Scotland.
The portrait joins a carefully curated collection of artworks in the Main Hall, further enhancing the cultural and historical significance of the space. One of the most notable pieces is the Three Honours sculpture, a stunning creation by Scottish silversmith Graham Stewart, which was gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. The sculpture, which represents Scotland’s ancient treasures—the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword—serves as a symbol of the deep connection between the monarchy and the nation.
In addition to this new portrait of King Charles, the Main Hall also features a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which was unveiled by The Princess Royal in 2011. This portrait, hanging near the new photograph, serves as a reminder of the continuity of the royal family and their unwavering commitment to Scotland. Together, these portraits tell a powerful story of the royal family’s relationship with Scotland and their shared history with the Scottish people.
This unveiling is not only a tribute to King Charles III’s enduring role in the Scottish monarchy but also a reflection of the Scottish Parliament’s rich history and the enduring bond between the monarchy and the people of Scotland. The addition of this portrait to the Main Hall of the Parliament ensures that future generations will be reminded of this important chapter in the history of both the monarchy and the Scottish Parliament.
As the portrait of King Charles III is added to the collection of artworks that adorn the halls of the Scottish Parliament, it symbolizes more than just a moment captured in time. It represents the enduring relationship between the monarchy and the nation, a relationship that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition.
The image of His Majesty in the Sunken Garden at Balmoral, dressed in his tartan and holding the gift from the Mey Highland Games, encapsulates not only his personal connection to Scotland but also his dedication to preserving the country’s heritage and traditions. The unveiling of this portrait serves as a reminder of the monarchy’s role in Scotland’s past, present, and future.
Leave a Reply