Decorations and medals on King's official portrait for public buildings explained
A new official portrait of the King has been unveiled, ready to hang in UK public buildings as part of a controversial £8m government-funded scheme.
King Charles III is pictured in full regalia outside Windsor Castle wearing his Royal Navy uniform as an Admiral of the Fleet and an abundance of official medals and decorations.
His Majesty stands in the Grand Corridor of the royal residence, resting his right hand on his pristine white gloves that are sitting on an antique table, and grasping a sword in his left.
We have taken a closer look at some of the items you can see on his clothing.
Admiral of the Fleet (No. 1 Tailcoat)
His Majesty King Charles III is Admiral of the Fleet – a five-star rank and the Royal Navy’s highest. His tailcoat, as part of the Admiral’s uniform, is known as No. 1 Tailcoat.
Garter Collar and Sovereign’s badge and Garter Star
The Garter Star worn by His Majesty is set with diamonds, and the central cross of St George is set with rubies and diamonds, surrounded by blue enamel.
It can be seen underneath His Majesty’s ribbons on the left-hand side of his tailcoat.
Wearing it on his coronation tunic in May, it was originally presented to George V (then the Duke of York) at the time of his marriage in 1893 by officers of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Naval Reserve.
Thistle Star
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle represents the highest honour in Scotland. The star can be seen on the King's left-hand side, near his waist.
Bath’s Sovereign badge
The badge can be seen as the item closest to His Majesty’s collar.
The Order of the Bath is an order of British knighthood established under King George I in 1725 and is awarded for either exemplary military service or civilian merit.
Order of Merit
The order was established at the turn of the 20th century for distinguished accomplishment in the military, science, literature, art or public service, and is a personal award of the monarch.
The decoration can be seen on his sash, on the upper right-hand side of the tailcoat.
The Royal Victorian Order’s Royal Victorian Chain and GCVO Sash
The Royal Victorian Order is awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the monarch and Royal Family, not only in the United Kingdom, but across the Commonwealth.
The decorative Royal Victorian Chain was established as a personal award of the monarch more than 100 years ago.
The sash is mainly blue, with a red and white border, seen draped diagonally across King Charles' tailcoat.
Photographer Hugo Burnand captured the image last year. He also took the King and Queen's coronation portraits and their 2005 wedding photos.
UK institutions such as councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire & rescue services are now able to apply to claim a formal, framed portrait of the monarch for free.
The Cabinet Office said the move carries on the tradition which saw many institutions display official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.
However, anti-monarchy campaign group Republic branded the initiative a "shameful waste of money" when it was announced ahead of the coronation last year.
Republic chief executive Graham Smith said: "At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.
"The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it's really needed."
But Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: "The accession of His Majesty the King marked a new chapter in our national story.
"Displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant and I hope as many eligible organisations as possible will wish to continue this proud British tradition and honour our King's reign."
The Cabinet Office said: "His Majesty's accession has marked the beginning of a new reign and the UK Government considers it right that public authorities, as part of the fabric of our nation, have the opportunity to commemorate this moment, strengthen civil pride and reflect the new era in our history."
In February, the scheme will be extended to include town, parish and community councils and Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces.
The portraits are expected to be delivered between February and April this year.
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