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A New Portrait of the King Unveiled at Holyrood

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The Scottish Parliament has unveiled a new official portrait of King Charles III, now on display in the Main Hall at Holyrood. The image, commissioned to mark the Parliament’s 25th anniversary, was revealed by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, in front of invited guests and members of Parliament.

A Balmoral Setting

The photograph was taken by Millie Pilkington in the Sunken Garden at Balmoral Castle. Rather than opting for a traditional studio portrait, the King is shown outdoors in a natural setting, underlining his long-standing ties to Scotland and its landscapes.

What the Portrait Shows

Photo: Facebook

In the image, the King wears a kilt in the King Charles III tartan and holds a handcrafted walking stick gifted to him by the Mey Highland Games. These details were chosen with care, serving as reminders of his connection to Scottish traditions and his frequent presence at cultural events in the Highlands.

Reception at the Parliament

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone described the photograph as “striking” and said it reflects the monarch’s affection for Scotland and its people. The portrait now hangs alongside the existing image of the late Queen Elizabeth II, creating a visual link between two reigns within the same public space.

The Photographer Behind the Image

Photo: Facebook

Millie Pilkington, who has photographed members of the royal family on several occasions, described the assignment as a privilege. Her goal, she said, was to capture the King’s warmth and affinity for Scotland by framing him within the Balmoral gardens, a place closely associated with the monarchy’s life in the country.

More Than Decoration

Portraits in civic buildings are not simply decorative. They are part of how institutions present history and continuity to the public. In this case, the new photograph is designed to be a familiar yet dignified reminder of the King’s role in Scottish life. It reinforces the monarchy’s presence in the Parliament without the formality of regalia or state ceremony.

A Continuing Role for the Princess Royal

Photo: Facebook

There is also a note of continuity in who unveiled the portrait. Princess Anne performed the same duty when the Parliament first received an official portrait of her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, more than a decade ago. Her involvement on both occasions gives a sense of consistency to how the monarchy is represented in the nation’s political home.

 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales Make a Strong Showing at the Royal Variety Performance

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On 19 November 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales returned to the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, marking the Princess’s first major public appearance since announcing she was in remission from cancer. The occasion carried both personal and public significance, blending royal duty with charity support.

Photo Credit : Instagram

The Princess wore a deep emerald velvet gown by Talbot Runhof. The fitted, off-the-shoulder design highlighted her figure without relying on decoration. She paired the dress with matching velvet heels and a silver Jenny Packham clutch. The jewellery was notable: the Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings, previously worn by Queen Elizabeth II, and a diamond bar bracelet adapted from a vintage Queen Mary choker. Rather than serve as modern statements, the pieces reflected the heritage and continuity of the royal family.

Media coverage focused on her composed presence and restrained styling, emphasising observable details rather than commentary. The Royal Variety Performance raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports entertainers facing financial or health challenges. The Princess’s attendance brought visibility to the charity’s work and reinforced her engagement with causes connected to the performing arts.

Photo Credit: Instagram

On the red carpet, the couple met nine-year-old twins associated with Brinsworth House, the care home run by the charity. The Princess asked if they were excited for Paddington The Musical, one of the evening’s performances, and noted that her own children were “very sad to miss this,” a candid remark that added a personal touch without sentimentality.

Her appearance stood out not only for the fashion but also for timing and context. The combination of thoughtful styling, historic jewellery, and considered public engagement marked a confident return to royal duties. The night reaffirmed the couple’s support for the performing arts while signalling the Princess’s readiness to resume public life.

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Queen Camilla at the 97th Field of Remembrance

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On 6 November 2025, Queen Camilla attended the 97th Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, participating in a ceremony that honours veterans and their sacrifices. Rows of poppies stretched across the churchyard, each cross representing a regiment, a unit, or a service member. The sight was a reminder of nearly a century of tradition, one that continues to resonate with those who serve and those who remember.

Royal Family – Instagram

Queen Camilla was greeted by the Dean of Westminster and handed a wooden cross of remembrance, which she placed among the rows of crosses commemorating unknown British soldiers. She then walked through the plots, pausing to observe and speak with veterans and attendees, quietly acknowledging their service.

The ceremony was simple and solemn. Big Ben rang out overhead, the Last Post resonated across the churchyard, and veterans stood quietly amid the sea of red poppies. There were no speeches, just presence and attentiveness, which spoke volumes on their own.

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For Queen Camilla, the visit had personal significance. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served in the 12th Royal Lancers during the Second World War. The navy-blue coat with a red collar she wore subtly referenced that connection, a detail noticed by those familiar with military history.

The Field of Remembrance began in 1928, initially with only a handful of crosses planted by The Poppy Factory. Today, hundreds of crosses mark the plots, each one placed by regiments, cadet groups, charities, and families. The Queen’s role as patron of The Poppy Factory brings attention to the charity’s ongoing work supporting veterans with health conditions and providing meaningful employment.

Royal Family – Instagram

Throughout the visit, small but meaningful interactions stood out. Conversations with veterans, exchanges with families, and greetings to mascots highlighted the human side of remembrance. These moments grounded the ceremony, moving it beyond tradition into lived experience.

Royal Family – Instagram

As the Queen moved through the plots, the ceremony underscored the ongoing importance of remembrance. Laying her cross, observing the memorials, and engaging with attendees, Queen Camilla demonstrated that honouring service is as much about presence and attention as it is about words.

At Westminster Abbey, the 97th Field of Remembrance was a quiet, powerful reminder: remembrance is ongoing. It is made visible through participation, reflection, and recognition of those who have served.

 

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The King and Queen Mark 30 Years of Neasden Temple

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They weren’t simply walking into a landmark. King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden to celebrate the temple’s 30th anniversary, a place that has become one of London’s most enduring symbols of cultural and spiritual identity.

The visit was steeped in respect and familiarity. The King has been here before, three times as Prince of Wales, but this return carried a different weight. His arrival, now as monarch, signalled continuity between the Crown and one of Britain’s most vibrant faith communities.

The Royal Family – Instagram

Their Majesties were greeted with garlands before taking part in a traditional thread-tying ritual known as nadachadi. They observed the abhishek, a sacred bathing ceremony, and listened as schoolchildren recited prayers for peace. Every gesture reflected care, inclusion, and a shared sense of celebration.

Inside the temple, they viewed an exhibition charting its history and construction. Built from hand-carved stone without the use of steel, the temple was completed in 1995 through the work of thousands of volunteers. It remains Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. A scale model of a new BAPS temple being constructed in Paris also caught the King’s attention, highlighting the organisation’s growing global reach.

The Royal Family – Instagram

The atmosphere was vivid yet calm, blending ceremonial formality with warmth. Volunteers, many from families who helped build the temple three decades ago, welcomed the royal couple with open pride. For the local Hindu community, the visit wasn’t just symbolic. It was recognition of years of service, charity, and cultural contribution.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Neasden Temple is a hub of social work. It runs food drives, blood donation campaigns, youth mentoring, and health initiatives across the UK. The King, known for his focus on community cohesion and interfaith understanding, appeared genuinely engaged with every conversation and display.

When he visited in 1996, the temple was still new and finding its place in London’s landscape. Now, thirty years later, it stands as a part of it. His return underscored how both the monarchy and the temple have evolved, each rooted in tradition yet adapting to a changing nation.

At first glance, the royal visit could have been another ceremonial appearance. In truth, it spoke to something deeper: the enduring connection between faith, identity, and belonging in Britain today.

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