King Charles’ New Portrait Has a Close Connection to Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Kids
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may have inspired their grandfather’s latest photo choice to mark the first anniversary of his coronation

King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Buckingham Palace Gardens on April 10
King Charles and Queen Camilla photographed on April 10, 2023 to mark the first anniversary of their coronation. Photo:
Buckingham Palace/PA Wire

King Charles and Queen Camilla are starring in a new portrait to mark the first anniversary of their coronation, and there’s a sweet connection to his grandchildren.

Buckingham Palace released a health update about the monarch on April 26, revealing that he would soon be returning to public royal duties after staying largely behind the scenes while he undergoes cancer treatment, a diagnosis revealed in February.

The announcement was accompanied by a new portrait of the King, 75, and Queen, 76, to mark a year since their coronation on May 6. The snap was captured in the Buckingham Palace garden on April 10, the day after the royal couple’s 19th wedding anniversary, by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington.

The photographer wrote on Instagram, “Feeling truly honored to have been asked to take this portrait of Their Majesties the King and Queen earlier this month in Buckingham Palace Gardens. And delighted that His Majesty the King is recovering so well.”

While this is the first time an image of King Charles and Queen Camilla was credited to Pilkington, they aren’t her first royal subjects. That belongs to the King’s grandchildren, whose recent portraits might have inspired him to tap the photographer.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave alongside Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince George
The British royal family gathers for Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Why Kate Middleton and Prince William Waited Longer Than Usual to Release Prince Louis’ Birthday Photo
Last year, Pilkington was the photographer for the official pictures released to celebrate the birthdays of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Pilkington also got behind the camera for the sweet photos of Prince William surrounded by his kids that were released to mark Father’s Day in 2023.

Pilkington described herself on her website as a “portrait photographer with a passion for photographing children,” making her a perfect fit for snapping the Prince and Princess of Wales’ little ones.

Analyzing her Father’s Day photo of Prince William with George, Charlotte and Louis, she wrote, “I love how this portrait captures the love the children have for their father Prince William. With Prince Louis hugging his father’s neck in true joy, whilst Princess Charlotte and Prince George, with their hands on Prince William’s knees, and laughing adoringly up at him, you can see the adoration they have for their father and the fun they have with him.”

Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales depart Buckingham Palace in a horse drawn carriage to attend Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London
From left: Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attend Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Two photos by Pilkington were released to celebrate Prince Louis’ fifth birthday in April 2023, including one of Princess Kate pushing her youngest child around in a wheelbarrow.
“Of my two portraits released by the Palace, this image of Louis in the wheelbarrow with HRH The Princess of Wales, laughing down towards him, is my favorite,” the photographer said. “It not only captures Louis’ spirit and cheek but also the relationship he has with his mother and the fun they have together. You can’t but help feeling joy, love and laughter when you look at this photo.”

Princess Charlotte had a costar for her eighth birthday photo in May 2023: the family’s dog, Orla!

“Feeling truly blessed to have been asked by the Princess of Wales to take this birthday portrait of Princess Charlotte as she turns 8, and even more so that TRH the Prince and Princess of Wales have shared this with you all,” Pilkington said. “She looks as happy as she does beautiful, as she cuddles their black working cocker spaniel, Orla in a garden at Windsor.”

Pilkington was also called in for a milestone moment in July 2023 for Prince George: his 10th birthday portrait.

“Honoured to share with you my latest commission for the Prince and Princess of Wales: a birthday portrait of Prince George as he turns 10,” she said. “As with my previous portraits of Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte & Prince William, I took this portrait of Prince George in the grounds of the Windsor Estate, a few months later. I love how this image captures the confidence, maturity and charm of Prince George — and gives us a glimpse of what lies in store as a future king.”

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales (L), Britain’s Prince George of Wales (2L), Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales (R), Britain’s Prince Louis of Wales (C) and Britain’s Princess Charlotte of Wales (2R) attend the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service” at Westminster Abbey in London on December 8, 2023.
From left: Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton attend a Christmas concert on Dec. 8, 2023.
HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty

King Charles ‘Frustrated’ amid Cancer Treatment and ‘Pushing’ to Work More, Says Nephew Peter Phillips
Buckingham Palace’s encouraging update about King Charles revealed that he and Queen Camilla will visit a cancer treatment center to meet medical specialists and patients on April 30, the first of several engagements planned for the King in upcoming weeks. The royal couple are also set to host a state visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June at Buckingham Palace.
A spokesperson said that the monarch’s cancer treatment will continue, but “doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.”

King Charles’ attendance at other summer events on the royal calendar such as Trooping the Colour remains unconfirmed, with a palace spokesperson noting that “any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way and will remain subject to doctors’ advice.”

King Charles III attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
King Charles attends Easter church on March 31, 2024.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

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“His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise,” the spokesperson added.