King Charles's new portrait has been vandalised at a London art gallery.
The first official portrait of the King since the Coronation was unveiled at Buckingham Palace in May.
His Majesty can be seen wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards in the vibrant oil painting which was displayed at the Phillip Mould Gallery.
Animal Rising protesters put a picture of the cartoon character Wallace from the animation Wallace & Gromit over King Charles's portrait.
King Charles's new portrait has been vandalised at a London art gallery.
PA/X
They protesters added a speech bubble next to Wallace containing the words: "No cheese Gromit, look at all this cruelty on RSPCA farms!"
The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has had a royal patron since 1840 when Queen Victoria became their first royal patron and gave the organisation the royal in their name.
They describe the role of a royal patron as: "Although there's no specific job description for a Royal Patron, they play a vital role in recognising and promoting the contributions and achievements of charitable organisations like the RSPCA.
"Having a Royal Patron means that we're able to elevate the cause of animal welfare in the minds of the public and inspire more people to create a better world for every animal."
Animal Rising protesters put a picture of the cartoon character Wallace from the animation Wallace & Gromit over King Charles's portrait.
X
Animal Rising tweeted following the incident: No Cheese Gromit! King Charles Portrait Redecorated @RoyalFamily.
"Find out why King Charles, Patron of the RSPCA should ask them to drop the Assured Scheme."
The portrait which measures 8ft 15in by 6ft 15in was designed by artist Jonathan Yeo, who also painted Tony Blair, Sir David Attenborough and Malala Yousafzai.
The portrait was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’s 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company in 2022.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The portrait was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales’s 50 years as a member of The Drapers’ Company in 2022.
PA
Yeo said regarding the painting last month: "It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers' Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his Coronation.
"When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I've painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject's role in our public life has transformed.
"I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter's face. In this case, my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of Royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st Century Monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject's deep humanity.
"I’m unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King."