King Charles looked so dapper in a new portrait shared to mark Burns Night on Saturday.
The striking portrait was taken by photographer Millie Pilkington last autumn and shows the monarch beaming beside a stack of leather-bound books in Balmoral Castle's ornate library.
© Photograph by Millie Pilkington for Buckingham PalaceThe Royal Family's official social media accounts shared the image with the caption: "Wishing those celebrating a very happy #BurnsNight tonight. The King in the Library at Balmoral Castle, taken by Millie Pilkington."
Impressed by the striking portrait, royal fans were quick to share their thoughts in the comments section. Charles's choice of outfit proved to be a popular talking point, with royal aficionados racing to complement the King's smart tartan look.
In light of the special Scottish occasion, His Majesty could be seen rocking a traditional tartan kilt crafted from the King Charles III tartan - a new variety of cloth designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority in 2023.
© Getty ImagesIt was created to mark the coronation and in recognition of the King's strong support in preserving the culture and traditions of Highland dress and Scottish tartans.
One follower penned: "A wonderfully colour-filled capture of his Majesty. Looking resplendent in tartan. My favourite portrait to date!!," while a second noted: "Beautiful picture of His Majesty! And indeed he looks very good in tartan," and a third chimed in: "I love the colour coordinating between books, tie and tartan."
© Getty ImagesAn art expert's opinion
We asked James Ryan, CEO of Grove Gallery, for his expert opinion on the new portrait. James, who manages the London art exhibition space and a 360-degree service which helps clients source hard-to-find secondary market pieces and build private collections, believes it is "art at its finest".
He explains: "It sparks conversation, and King Charles’ latest portrait is certainly achieving that. The setting, an undeniably grand library, is lined with leather-bound volumes, exuding a sense of timeless sophistication.
© Getty"Meanwhile, the newly designed King Charles III tartan speaks to heritage and continuity, reinforcing a deep connection to tradition. His stance feels remarkably open and relaxed—unsurprising for someone so accustomed to the camera. His body language exudes warmth, and there’s a sense of movement, as if he’s just about to share a self-deprecating joke.
"As an art gallery, we often reflect on how portraits capture more than just a likeness; they convey identity, narrative, and even power. Here, we see a modern monarch subtly upholding tradition in a contemporary world. Whether you admire it or find it a little too restrained, one thing is clear — art has once again ignited a national conversation. And isn’t that precisely what great portraiture should do?"
The King's beloved Scottish home
King Charles's Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, is beloved by the royal family. It's where they congregate together in the summer months and is renowned for its striking beauty thanks to the myriad mountains, lakes and lochs.
© Getty ImagesBalmoral was said to be the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite royal residence, with her granddaughter Princess Eugenie once saying: "I think Granny is the most happy there, I think she really, really loves the Highlands... Walks, picnics, dogs - a lot of dogs, there's always dogs!
"And people coming in and out all the time. Family-wise we're all there, so it's a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa to be - for us to come and see them up there, where you just have room to breathe and run."
Find out more in the video below...
© Getty ImagesThe Balmoral estate also holds a special place in Charles's heart as it's the home of his private bolthole, Birkhall, which is where he proposed to Queen Camilla in 2005.
He's particularly fond of the property's garden which he's previously described as "a special place". Talking to Country Life, he revealed: "It is such a special place, particularly because it was made by my grandmother. It is a childhood garden, and all I’ve done, really, is enhance it a bit."
