During a recent visit to The Scottish Parliament HRH The Princess Royal unveiled a new photo of her older brother, HM The King.
The new portrait Is on public display in the Main Hall and sits alongside the Three Honours sculpture which was crafted by Scottish silversmith Graham Stewart. His Majesty is depicted standing in the Sunken Garden at Balmoral Castle. He is dressed in his own King Charles III tartan and is leaning on a handcrafted stick which was a gift from the Mey Highland Games.
The photo was taken by Millie Pilkington just before The King took part in events to mark the 25th anniversary of The Scottish Parliament. Ms Pilkington who is based in Dorset is well known to the Royal Family and took the wedding photos of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as other family photos of their children.
The Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Scottish Parliament, to unveil this portrait of His Majesty The King.
“The portrait will hang in the Parliament’s Main Hall, greeting the many thousands of visitors who come through our doors every year.
“It’s a striking image which is a reminder of His Majesty’s love of Scotland and the affectionate connection he has with the country and its people.”
Millie Pilkington, photographer, said: “It was an immense honour to be asked to take an official portrait of His Majesty in Scotland. Using the breathtaking backdrop of Balmoral gardens and the Highlands enabled me to reflect The King’s warmth and deep connection to nature and Scotland.”
The Princess Royal also unveiled a portrait of the late Queen in 2011, an image taken by photographer Shaun Murawski, which also hangs in the Parliament’s Main Hall.
