Prince unveils sketch showing ‘essence’ of his grandmother
THE Prince of Wales is to put his favourite family portraits from the walls of his own home on display in a celebration of his birthday, including a touching portrait that reminds him “of the essence” of his beloved grandmother.
The Prince said the oil sketch of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, which is kept at his London residence of Clarence House, “brilliantly captured” her likeness.
The study, by Michael Noakes, is among five family pictures from the Prince’s personal collection that will go on display at Buckingham Palace’s Summer Exhibition, where more than 100 works will be shown as part of a birthday exhibition. In a message recorded for visitors at the palace, he said: “I acquired it from the artist as I felt it brilliantly captured her likeness and, above all, reminds me of the essence of her personality.”
The Prince, who turns 70 this year, has also selected artworks from the Royal Collection and by artists supported by three charities he works with for the show, called Prince & Patron.
The portraits include a previously unseen pencil sketch of the Duke of Edinburgh by Bryan Organ. The final portrait, completed in 1983, hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. Two preparatory oil sketches of Prince William and Prince Harry in their Blues and Royals Household Cavalry regimental uniform by Nicky Philipps are also going on public display for the first time.
The majority of the exhibition will be made up of works from artists supported by three of the Prince’s charities: the Royal Drawing School, The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, and Turquoise Mountain.
It can be viewed as part of a visit to the summer opening of the palace state rooms from July 21 to Sept 30.