Why did you snub the King’s portrait, Deputy PM asks boss of ‘woke’ Channel 4
OLIVER DOWDEN has written to Channel 4 to ask why it has failed to accept the offer of a portrait of King Charles to hang in its headquarters.
In an implicit suggestion that its notoriously ‘woke’ reputation could have influenced the decision, the Deputy Prime Minister ‘reminded’ the publicly owned station it is eligible for a free picture to display, under the scheme funded by the Cabinet Office.
Mr Dowden wrote to Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon telling her that there had been a high take-up in public buildings, which was ‘unsurprising’ given the huge public support for the monarchy.
He said the scheme to mark the accession and coronation had been embraced by courts, schools, local councils and other public bodies. ‘The reign marked a new chapter in our national story, and the tradition of placing a portrait of the monarch in our public buildings is long and important’ he said.
‘These images provide a familiar human side to a thousand-year-old institution that is central to our national identity and carries huge admiration across the globe.’
He added: ‘Displaying this new portrait will also serve as a reminder of the example set by our ultimate public servant.
‘Like his mother before him, the King has dedicated his life and work to serving others.
‘We can see the effects of this in the Prince’s Trust, now the King’s Trust, or through his pioneering commitment to conservation and inter-community dialogue.
‘The take-up has so far been high, which is unsurprising given the huge public support for and warm feeling towards the monarchy.’
Mr Dowden concluded pointedly to Ms Mahon: ‘I am writing to remind you of the scheme, and Channel 4’s eligibility.’
The broadcaster has been previously criticised for its irreverent attitude to the royal family, such as its ‘deepfake’ version of the late Queen’s Christmas Day speech in 2020. It manipulated her image into a TikTok dance and saw the monarch discussing Harry and Meghan. Some viewers branded it ‘woke rubbish’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘mean spirited’.
A Channel 4 spokesman said Mr Dowden’s letter had only just been received, adding: ‘We shall reply in due course.’