Hopes first ever-commissioned portrait of King Charles as a young Prince of Wales in 1970 could be seen for first time in 24 years as Cardiff council bosses carry out art review
- The first painting of King Charles III as Prince of Wales could be made public
- The painting of the 21-year-old was unveiled to a great fanfare in Cardiff in 1970
- Historic portrait has been in storage away from the public gaze for 24 years
- Artist David Griffiths suggests now is an ‘appropriate’ time to display the work
A long-lost portrait of King Charles III, which is the first of him as Prince of Wales, may see the light of day for the first time in a generation – to the delight of Royal fans and its renowned artist.
The first commissioned painting of the new King, as a young Prince of Wales at the age of 21, was unveiled to a great fanfare in Cardiff in 1970.
But the historic portrait has been held in storage vaults away from the public gaze for 24 years, following renovation works in Cardiff City Hall.
Now, a review into royal art in the Welsh capital is set to be held after the death of the Queen, with artist David Griffiths suggesting now is an ‘appropriate’ time to show the historic work.
Respected portrait artist Mr Griffiths said: ‘For whatever reason, the portrait has been in storage at The City Hall for decades.
The 8ft by 5ft painting depicts Prince Charles receiving The Freedom Of The City Of Cardiff from the Lord Mayor
The long-lost portrait of King Charles III, which is the first of him as Prince of Wales, may see the light of day for the first time in a generation
‘It would be fascinating to see it again as it certainly holds a place in history and I feel now would be an appropriate time for it to be seen again in public.’
Welshman Mr Griffiths, based in Penylan, had been invited by representatives of Welsh industry and commerce to portray the 21-year-old Prince as a gift to the City of Cardiff.
Now, a review into royal art in the Welsh capital is set to be held after the death of the Queen , with artist David Griffiths suggesting now is an ‘appropriate’ time to show the historic work
In a break from tradition, the then Lord Mayor, Alderman Lincoln Hallinan, asked that he be included in the portrait – and also to have coats of arms incorporated into the design.
The first sitting with the Prince took place at Buckingham Palace in November 1969, with a final one on the eve of the Prince’s departure for Australia and New Zealand in 1970.
The first commissioned painting of the new King, as a young Prince of Wales at the age of 21, was unveiled to a great fanfare in Cardiff in 1970
The 8ft by 5ft painting depicts Prince Charles receiving The Freedom Of The City Of Cardiff from the Lord Mayor.
It was unveiled in the City Hall by the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Cenydd Treherne, in May 1970.
But before being permanently displayed in the City Hall’s Marble Gallery, the portrait was displayed for two weeks in Harrods, London.
It was then displayed at the National Eisteddfod, a Welsh cultural festival, held in Ammanford in August 1970.
A second portrait of The Prince, again by David Griffiths, was commissioned by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society in 2002.
A second portrait of The Prince, again by David Griffiths, was commissioned by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society in 2002
The 60in by 40in oil on canvas hangs in the main foyer of Cardiff’s City Hall – but the original work not been aired for more than 20 years.
An account of the portrait’s background appears in the artist’s recent autobiography, called Hunanbortread in Welsh.
Mr Griffiths’ most recent public portrait was of Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford.
Other political figures painted by David Griffiths include Lord Callaghan, Enoch Powell, Lord Weatherill, Lord Tonypandy, Lord Cledwyn Hughes, Lord Hailsham and Nigel Farage.
Following the death of the Queen and his accession to the throne, King Charles announced on 9 September that Prince William would become the new Prince of Wales
Welsh politicians who have sat for him include former First Minister Rhodri Morgan, MP Gwynfor Evans and Lord Elwyn Jones.
Sport-loving Mr Drakeford agreed to sit for Mr Griffiths who has also painted Welsh sports legends ranging from former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe to former world rugby player of the year Shane Williams.
A Cardiff council spokesperson said: ‘While there are no immediate plans to rehang the portrait, which has been in storage since renovation works were carried out at City Hall in 1998, in due course all existing portraits hung in the Council’s civic buildings will be reviewed following the death of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s accession to the throne.’
The new Prince and Princess of Wales met Royal fans in Swansea yesterday, including an adorable two-year-old who was dressed in the traditional Welsh outfit
Following the death of the Queen and his accession to the throne, King Charles announced on 9 September that Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, would become the new Prince and Princess of Wales.
But the move to give them the titles has caused some controversy in Wales, and a petition calling for the British monarchy to end the use of the title has gathered over 35,000 signatures.
The couple began a tour of the country yesterday, visiting Holyhead in Anglesey and Swansea, where they met Royal fans, including an adorable two-year-old who was dressed in the traditional Welsh outfit.
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