The latest portrait of the King was unveiled earlier this week and will be hung in schools and other public institutions across the country.
This comes as part of a new government scheme that will cost the taxpayer £8 million and see such institutions as councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services having the King’s portrait hung in their public buildings.
The scheme has faced some controversy and raised much debate across the political spectrum with those who are in favour of the proposal, defending the portrait as a picture of absolute public service.
Deputy PM, Oliver Dowden has been one of the more prominent voices defending the scheme, saying that “displaying this new portrait will serve as a reminder to us all of the example set by our ultimate public servant, and I hope as many eligible organisations as possible will wish to continue this proud British tradition and honour our King’s reign.”
However, the critics of the proposal include Graham Smith, chief executive of the campaign group Republic. Republic see the scheme as nothing more than an extravagant and ‘shameful waste of money’.
“The government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles.” Mr Smith said. “They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.”
While the proposals have raised debates, the government remains focused on ensuring that this scheme goes ahead. The portraits are then expected to be delivered to community councils up and down the country sometime between February and April this year.