New ‘Fab Four’ under the gaze of George III
BUCKINGHAM PALACE released a new portrait of the King last night to mark the start of his reign, after the Royal Family’s period of mourning for the Queen ended.
In a clear sign that the sovereignty of King Charles will be both less formal and more closely centred on the four most senior members of the family, the new monarch is seen looking relaxed with his hand in his pocket and his arm around his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Beside them are William and Kate, who also look assured but unstuffy as they contemplate their new roles as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The picture, which was described by an insider as a combination of ‘formal and informal’, was taken before a reception for foreign dignitaries on the eve of the Queen’s State Funeral.
Not so long ago, it was Princes William and Harry together with their wives who had been dubbed the ‘Fab Four’ – carrying great hopes for the future of the Royal Family. This, however, is an image of an alternative ‘Fab Four’ as the King, the Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales stand together at the top of the Ministers Stairs before a painting of King George III at Buckingham Palace.
Despite the sadness of the occasion, a photographer had been invited to capture ‘an important moment in history’.
King Charles has made it clear that he will need to rely on his eldest son and daughter-in-law as he takes on the new role as Head of State. In recognition of this, he appointed them Prince and Princess of Wales in his first address to the nation after ascending the Throne.
The day before the picture was taken, the King and the Prince of Wales came together for a surprise walkabout, greeting people who were waiting in the queue for Her Late Majesty’s lying-in-state.
The image was taken by Getty photographer Chris Jackson, who was chosen by Kate and William to photograph their son Prince George on his fourth birthday.
Last week the King received visiting heads of realms at Balmoral, including Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who has proposed a referendum to remove the British monarch as head of state in his country.