Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of issuing free portraits of His Majesty King Charles III to registered charities.

The Government does not have any plans to make an assessment of the potential merits of offering a free portrait of The King to registered charities.

The UK Government launched an Official Portrait scheme in November 2023 to enable certain Public Authorities across the UK to apply for a free, framed official portrait of His Majesty The King for display in their buildings.

The scheme is ongoing and is due for completion by mid year 2024. His Majesty’s accession has marked the beginning of a new reign and the UK Government considers it is 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.

Local authorities, court buildings, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services are among the public institutions across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, to be offered the new official photographic portrait of His Majesty, funded by the Government.

The scheme’s second phase will be open for applications from Town, Parish, City and Community Councils across UK and MoD sponsored Cadets from the 12th February.

A portrait will be available for purchase in due course for those not eligible for this scheme and details will be communicated at the time.