Princess Anne looked delighted as she unveiled a new portrait of her brother, King Charles, at the Scottish Parliament on Friday. The photograph was taken by Millie Pilkington last year in the Sunken Garden of Balmoral Castle ahead of the King’s appearance to mark the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
The image shows the monarch surrounded by heather and dressed in King Charles III tartan, while holding a handcrafted stick, gifted to him from the Mey Highland Games.
The Princess Royal previously unveiled a portrait of the late Queen in the Parliament’s Main Hall back in 2011 – an image taken by photographer Shaun Murawski.
After the Princess removed the red velvet covering from the portrait, she signed the visitor’s book and toured the other historic items on display.
Speaking about her new image being displayed, Millie Pilkington, who has been invited to photograph the Wales family on many occasions, 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.”
Meanwhile, the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said of the new photograph: “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 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.”