Public spaces in the UK such as schools, police stations and fire stations could soon be eligible for a free portrait of King Charles. Authorities may request a free portrait of the monarch later this year, Sky News reported on Sunday.
According to Lancaster County’s Oliver Dowden, the paintings in public spaces across the country serve as “a visual reminder of the nation’s last public servant.” “They help turn the page in our history book and pay a fitting tribute to our new king,” he says.
The initiative is said to cost £8m (over €9m), but critics say the money could be better spent elsewhere. “At a time when schools and hospitals are already struggling, every pound spent on this nonsense is one,” said Graham Smith of the anti-monarchy club Republic. “If people think they want to spend their money on Charles’ films, the government has lost it completely. They should stop this scam and use the money where it is really needed,” he said.
It is not yet known which portrait of Charles will be hung everywhere. Buckingham Palace has yet to release an official royal portrait of the monarch.
