First Portrait of King Charles Revealed — and Includes a Clear Tribute to His Mother

Mar. 15, 2025

King Charles IIIhas his first official portrait as monarch.

A new image of the 73-year-old monarch was released in coordination with hisfirst speech, which was broadcast on Friday, one day after the death ofQueen Elizabeth. The photo showed Charles seated at a desk in the Blue Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace. Displayed was a photo of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, sporting one of her signature brightly colored outfits complete with a wide-brimmed hat.

“I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow,” King Charles began. “Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.Queen Elizabethwas a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

King Charles andQueen Camillatraveled from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, whereQueen Elizabethdied,to Buckingham Palace in Londonon Friday. Charles walked along the gates of the palace, where mourners left flowers and other tributes to the late Queen. He also greeted members of the public gathered outside the royal residence.

King Charles III.Yui Mok/AP/Shutterstock

Their arrival in London Friday was poignant, as it marked their first time in the capital city as monarch and consort.

King Charles and Queen Camilla.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Charles and Camilla, 75, had traveled to the Queen’s side in the Scottish Highlands after Buckingham Palace announced that her doctors were"concerned"for Her Majesty’s health. Charleshad been in ScotlandWednesday, carrying out engagements.

On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced thatQueen Elizabethdied at age 96 at her beloved Balmoral Castle.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” officials said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

The Queen’s eldest son immediately ascended to the role of monarch upon her death, becoming King Charles III. Camilla will also now be styled as Queen Consort, an honorQueen Elizabethdirectly expressed her wishesfor in February.

Charles was further referred to as “His Majesty, the King” on letterhead from Buckingham Palace, in hisfirst statementas monarch following the death of his mother.

King Charles and Queen Camilla.DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” King Charles said.

As he becomes the third King Charles in British history, the new monarchhas abandoned his former title, the Prince of Wales. It is expected that his eldest son,Prince William, will inherit it. The title of Prince of Wales is typically given to a male heir apparent. Edward VIII held the title for the bulk of his life before ascending to (and within months, abdicating) the throne.

source: people.com