The Artistic Choice: Unveiling the Meaning Behind Red in King Charles III's Portrait by Jonathan Yeo

King Charles Artist Explains Why He Chose Red in New Portrait

Artist Jonathan Yeo and King Charles III Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Jonathan Yeo, the artist who created King Charles III’s new portrait, shared his reason for using a red hue in the painting.

Yeo, 53, mentioned that the red color was inspired by the Welsh Guards. However, he also wanted to add a contemporary touch to the portrait without overshadowing the focus on the face and personality of the subject. The choice of color was initially an experiment, but as he sketched and worked on the face, he found that the combination of the red background and the face complemented each other beautifully.

Yeo mentioned that he made sure to maintain a balance without any distractions. He described it as a good combination of old and new styles.

In the painting, 75-year-old Charles is depicted in a Welsh Guards uniform, holding a sword. The artwork is predominantly red, with a butterfly fluttering near one of the monarch's shoulders.

Yeo mentioned that when The Draper’s Company commissioned the portrait, he received minimal direction.

“They only specified the scale because they had other portraits of that size. Additionally, there was a preference for it to be in uniform, possibly Welsh Guards,” Yeo explained. “Apart from these details, I was given no further guidance. It was both thrilling and a bit intimidating, like starting with a blank canvas.”

King Charles Artist Explains Why He Chose Red in New Portrait

King Charles His Majesty King Charles III by / MEGA

Charles met with Yeo four times between June 2021 and November 2023. At first, Charles was the Prince of Wales, but by the end of their sessions, he had become the king. (Charles officially became the sovereign of the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth nations after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022.)

"When he became king during our sessions, it added another layer to our work," Yeo mentioned. "It's a simple yet meaningful element with many connections."

Yeo described Charles as a "delightful subject," mentioning that he is easy to be around, enjoys laughing, asks many questions, and has a genuine interest in art, providing plenty of topics for conversation.

The portrait was unveiled at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, May 14. The royal family shared a video on their official X account, stating, "Today, The King revealed a new portrait by @RealJonathanYeo at Buckingham Palace. Commissioned by The Draper’s Company, this is the first official portrait completed since His Majesty’s Coronation. It will be displayed at Draper’s Hall in London."

This was not Yeo’s first time creating portraits for the royal family. He painted Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, and wife Queen Camilla, in 2008 and 2014, respectively.

Editor's P/S:

Jonathan Yeo's rationale for using red in King Charles III's portrait is an intriguing blend of tradition and modernity. Inspired by the Welsh Guards' uniform, the vibrant hue adds a contemporary flair while complementing the subject's face and personality. Yeo's careful balance between the traditional uniform and the innovative color scheme showcases his artistic skill and understanding of the monarchy's rich history and evolving nature.

Yeo's close collaboration with Charles during the painting process adds a personal dimension to the artwork. The artist's description of the monarch as a "delightful subject" and their shared interest in art suggest a connection that transcends the commissioned work. The portrait, unveiled at Buckingham Palace, not only captures Charles's likeness but also reflects the artist's interpretation of the king's character and the significance of his coronation. Yeo's previous portraits of Prince Philip and Queen Camilla further establish his connection to the royal family, demonstrating his ability to capture the essence of the monarchy through his art.