THE four portraits released by the Royal Family are signed by Hugo Burnard, the photographer to whom we also owe the images of the wedding of King Charles III and Camilla and those of William and Kate. In addition to the individual portraits and that of a couple taken in a hall of Buckingham Palace amidst state crowns, sacred sceptres and ermine cloaks, there is also the official proof of the new – and streamlined – monarchy sanctioned by the sovereign. And the message is clear: there is no turning back.
The official Coronation group portrait. (ip)
Only the Royals most loyal to King Charles III
In the group photo, Carlo wanted William and Kate and his sister Anna on the sides, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence. Absent, of course, Prince Andrew, who still puts pressure on his brother, hoping to recover from the Epstein scandal and return to court. And the wayward son Harrywho continues to make claims – not only of status but also economic – despite not being a working Royal.
Princess Anna, right arm of her brother the king and ally of Camilla
The prominent position of Anne of England, who will be 73 on August 15th, is no coincidencesay the British royal watchers, confirming the role that Elizabeth II’s second daughter now plays at court.
Anna is the most reliable Royal of them all, known for her offhand behavior (she inherited it from her father Filippo) and for her stoic attitude which leads her to carry out a number of official engagements that each year exceeds that of any other royal, has become indispensable to Charles and Camilla. That they can count on her to deal with every crisis.
The pillars of old-fashioned monarchy: Edward and Sophie of Wessex
As expected there are Edward and Sophie, the new Dukes of Edinburgh, also tireless workers who never fail to demonstrate to the king a great sense of duty towards the monarchical institution. But it is the choice of the other four Royals – all very old – admitted in the historical photo that has somewhat surprised.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla. (ip)
Relatives of Queen Elizabeth, rewarded for their loyalty
A little behind the most important Royals, they appear in the image the Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra – all cousins of Elizabeth II over eighty and who have long since announced their forthcoming withdrawal from the public scene. But Charles III wanted to reward them above all for the loyalty and respect shown towards his mother and for the decades spent in the service of the nation.
Royals too old: who will take their place?
Worrying about the inevitable absence of these very aged Royals in the not too distant future. George, Charlotte and Louis, William and Kate’s little ones, will not yet be old enough to take on important positions and commitments. And for a time the monarchy of Charles III and Queen Camilla will only be able to rely on six working Royal.
Anne of England’s advice to her brother
As Princess Anne said in a recent interview, the remaining Windsors are now too few for the amount of work required to carry on the monarchy. Will Carlo let his sister convince him to include some other relatives? Beatrice and Eugenia, Andrea’s daughters, already do a lot for charity, and the sporty Zara Tindall, Anna’s second child, is particularly nice to the subjects. But for now, according to the Coronation group portrait, it seems not.
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