A New Portrait of the King Unveiled at Holyrood

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

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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

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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

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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.