Royal fans think they’ve spotted something — let’s say, a little strange — in King Charles III’s newest portrait.
Earlier this week, new portraits of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were revealed at the National Gallery.
The paintings were created to mark their 2023 coronation. King Charles, who is 76, was painted by Peter Kuhfeld, while 77-year-old Camilla’s portrait was done by artist Paul Benny.
Both are full-body portraits. The King is shown standing in the throne room at St James’ Palace, while the Queen Consort is pictured in the garden room at their London residence, Clarence House.
Charles had two of his five portrait sittings at the State Apartments in St. James’ Palace, using the Throne Room as the background. The remaining sessions took place at Windsor Castle.
As is tradition, the portrait includes the Imperial State Crown, which is shown resting on a table nearby.
The King is dressed in his Robe of State—worn during his entrance to the Abbey and the start of the Coronation ceremony—along with his Number 1 Ceremonial Naval uniform, complete with medals and honors.
But what really grabbed people’s attention was a specific detail painted over his right shoulder, sparking a wave of speculation online as many took to social media to share their thoughts.
One Facebook user asked: “Is that a bra thrown on his shoulder?”
Another commented: “I thought he had a bra draped over his shoulder?” A third person went even further, saying: “It’s the bra on his shoulder and the bondage ties on the bed post.”
Someone else also pointed out: “He has a bra over his shoulder.” Another user chimed in with: “What’s the bra doing on his shoulder?” And finally, one more simply said: “The bra on his shoulder!”
All jokes aside, it’s pretty hard to believe that the head of the royal family would have willingly posed with a piece of white lacy lingerie draped over him in an official portrait.
As for the painting itself, artist Jonathan Yeo took over 18 months to finish it after having five sessions with the King. Speaking about the experience, Kuhfeld said: “I think he was pleased. It’s a very odd thing for a sitter to look at themselves.”
He also added: “I just hope that I’ve got an aspect of the man and King, I just think that’s very important.”
Kuhfeld has worked with the King for many years — in fact, he was once commissioned to paint Princes William and Harry when they were young boys.