A new portrait costing of King Charles costing £8million has been unveiled, as he carries on a proud British tradition.
The portrait of His Majesty has been released to display in public buildings across the UK.
Schools, police stations and courts are among the public authorities who can apply for a free portrait, many of which currently display an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
The UK Government announced £8m of public money would be spent on the portrait scheme back in April 2023.
The new portrait has been released to display in public buildings across the country
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Officials hope public institutions will continue the tradition of hanging an official portrait of the sovereign inside public buildings to "celebrate the new reign" and as a reminder of The King's service to the nation.
Posing for photographer Hugo Burnand in Windsor Castle last year, His Majesty is wearing his Admiral of the Flee uniform (No.1 Tailcoat).
The official medals and decorations donned by King Charles include the Garter (Collar and Sovereign's badge) + Garter Star, Thistle Star, Bath Sovereign's badge, Order of Merit, Royal Victorian Order with the Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash, and a number of other medals displayed on a full Medal Bar.
Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said: "The accession of His Majesty The King marked a new chapter in our national story."
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King Charles was crowned in May last year
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"Displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant and I hope as many eligible organisations as possible will wish to continue this proud British tradition and honour our King's reign."
It is understood the UK Government considers it "right" that public authorities, dubbed the "fabric of our nation", have the opportunity to commemorate the historical accession of King Charles and "strengthen civil pride".
But anti-monarchy campaign group, Republic, branded the scheme a "shameful waste of money" when it was announced last year.
At the time, chief executive of Republic, Graham Smith, said: "At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.”
He added: “The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.”
Principle Local Authorities, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services can apply now for their free portrait on the UK Government website.
Next month, the picture is expected to become more widely available to include town, parish and community councils and Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces.
