First ever portrait of King Charles as Prince of Wales could be seen for first time in 24 years

A long-lost portrait of King Charles III, his first as Prince of Wales, may see the light of day for the first time in a generation – much to the delight of royal fans and his famous artist.

The first painting commissioned by the new king, as a young Prince of Wales at the age of 21, was unveiled with much fanfare in Cardiff in 1970.

But the historic portrait has been kept in storage vaults away from the public for 24 years after renovations at Cardiff Town Hall.

Now there will be a review of royal art in the Welsh capital after the Queen’s death, with artist David Griffiths suggesting that now is an ‘appropriate’ time to display the historic work.

The respected portrait artist Mr. Griffiths said, “For whatever reason, the portrait has been stored in City Hall for decades.

Long-lost portrait of King Charles III, his first as Prince of Wales, may see the light of day for the first time in a generation

“It would be fascinating to see it again because it certainly has a place in history and I think now is an opportune time to see it again in public.”

Welshman Mr Griffiths, based in Penylan, was invited by representatives of Welsh industry and trade to portray the 21-year-old prince as a gift to the city of Cardiff.

Now there will be a review of royal art in the Welsh capital after the Queen’s death, with artist David Griffiths suggesting now is an ‘appropriate’ time to display the historic work

In a break with tradition, the then mayor, Councilor Lincoln Hallinan, asked that he be included in the portrait — as well as include coats of arms in the design.

The first meeting with the Prince took place at Buckingham Palace in November 1969, with a last on the eve of the Prince’s departure to Australia and New Zealand in 1970.

The first painting commissioned by the new king, depicting a young Prince of Wales at the age of 21, was unveiled with much fanfare in Cardiff in 1970.

The 2-by-5 ​​meter painting shows Prince Charles receiving the freedom of the city of Cardiff from the mayor.

It was unveiled in the Town Hall in May 1970 by the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Cenydd Treherne.

But before it was put on permanent display in the City Hall Marble Gallery, it was put on display in Harrods, London, for two weeks.

It was then exhibited at the National Eisteddfod, a Welsh cultural festival, held in Ammanford in August 1970.

A second portrait of The Prince, again by David Griffiths, was commissioned in 2002 by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

A second portrait of The Prince, again by David Griffiths, was commissioned in 2002 by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society

The 60 by 40 inch oil on canvas hangs in the main foyer of Cardiff Town Hall – but the original work hasn’t aired in over 20 years.

An account of the portrait’s background can be found in the artist’s recent autobiography, called Hunanbortread in Welsh.

The most recent public portrait of Mr Griffiths was of the Welsh Prime Minister, Mark Drakeford.

Other political figures painted by David Griffiths include Lord Callaghan, Enoch Powell, Lord Weatherill, Lord Tonypandy, Lord Cledwyn Hughes, Lord Hailsham and Nigel Farage.

Following the Queen’s death and his accession to the throne, King Charles announced on September 9 that Prince William would become the new Prince of Wales

Welsh politicians who have sat before him include former Prime Minister Rhodri Morgan, MP Gwynfor Evans and Lord Elwyn Jones.

Sports enthusiast Drakeford agreed to sit in front of Mr Griffiths, who has also painted Welsh sporting legends ranging from former world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe to former world rugby player of the year Shane Williams.

A Cardiff council spokesman said: ‘While there are no immediate plans to re-hang the portrait, which has been in storage since the town hall refurbishment work in 1998, in due course all existing portraits displayed in the public buildings of the Cardiff Council are hung, to be reviewed. after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III to the throne.’

The new Prince and Princess of Wales met royal fans in Swansea yesterday, including an adorable two-year-old who was dressed in the traditional Welsh outfit

Following the Queen’s death and his accession to the throne, King Charles announced on 9 September that Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, would become the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

But the move to give them the titles has caused some controversy in Wales, and a petition calling on the British monarchy to end the use of the title has gathered more than 35,000 signatures.

The couple embarked on a tour of the country yesterday, visiting Holyhead in Anglesey and Swansea, where they met Royal fans, including an adorable two-year-old dressed in the traditional Welsh outfit.