LONG TO REIGN OVER US: KING CHARLES III THE FUTURE OF THE MONARCHY IS CAPTURED IN ITS FULL GLORY IN HISTORIC PORTRAITS

Proudly flanked by his son and grandson, the King presents the future of the monarchy to the world in the first official photo with his two heirs since he ascended the throne

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

The powerful image, captured inside Buckingham Palace shortly after the coronation at Westminster Abbey, shows His Majesty, 74, in full regalia on his throne, with the Prince of Wales, 40, and Prince George, nine, either side of him.

He is dressed in his purple velvet and ermine-caped Robe of Estate with the Imperial State Crown on his head, holding the Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre with Cross, part of the regalia that had featured in the ceremony earlier in the day.

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS 

Standing next to him, Prince William, in the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards under his Order of the Garter mantle, smiles into the camera, while George looks relaxed following his impeccable performance in the abbey as a Page of Honour to his grandfather.

With the rich red and gold of the palace’s Throne Room as the backdrop, it beautifully portrays the line of succession in the new Carolean era following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September.

On such a momentous occasion, it is perhaps no surprise that in another image, His Majesty appears to be deep in thought, sitting alone on one of the ornate red and gold chairs.

The two photos are part of six official portraits taken by acclaimed royal photographer Hugo Burnand and released by the palace last week.