King Charles reveals chilling red portrait: compared to being ‘in hell’

King Charles, 75, unveiled a new official portrait by artist Jonathan Yeo, which many royal watchers found “disturbing.”

The portrait features Charles wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he became Regimental Colonel in 1975, and was revealed in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.

The artist said the picture tried to capture the “humanity” in Charles’ face. His Majesty King Charles III by Jonathan Yeo 2024

Yeo expressed his gratitude for being commissioned by The Drapers’ Company to paint the portrait, calling it a privilege and pleasure. He highlighted the portrait’s evolution, paralleling Charles’s transformation from the Prince of Wales to the King.

In his statement, Yeo emphasized his efforts to capture the life experiences and humanity etched into Charles’ face, acknowledging the unique challenge of portraying someone in such a significant role.

However, commenters on social media were critical of the portrait. Some questioned whether the red backdrop symbolized the blood on Charles’ hands, while others found the overall portrayal unsettling.

Royal watchers weren’t kind and wrote that the portrait looks like Charles is “in hell.” via REUTERS.

Fans were quick to label the portrait “creepy.” POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Royal watchers criticized the red background’s look.via REUTERS

One commenter expressed surprise, mistaking the portrait for satire, while another suggested that the harshness of the red backdrop clashed with the softness of Charles’ expression.

Several observers described the portrait as “creepy” and remarked that it appeared as if Charles was in hell or bathing in blood, adding to the unsettling nature of the painting.

Commissioned in 2020 to commemorate Charles’ 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company in 2022, the portrait will eventually hang in Drapers’ Hall.