A specially commissioned portrait commemorating the historic visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Jersey has been officially unveiled during a ceremony at the Royal Court Building in St. Helier. The artwork was revealed by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, during her official visit to the Channel Island on Tuesday.

The portrait, created by local artist Jason Butler, captures a memorable scene from the royal couple's visit on July 15, 2024, depicting them walking around Royal Square after addressing crowds of islanders. Despite heavy rain during their visit, the King and Queen continued to engage warmly with the gathered crowds, a moment that Butler felt perfectly encapsulated the spirit of their visit.

Artist Jason Butler explained his creative vision for the commemorative piece, emphasizing his desire to focus on the royal couple's authentic connection with the people of Jersey. "The image of them walking through the rain, smiling and engaging with islanders, felt like the truest reflection of that day," Butler said. He specifically wanted to highlight their "genuine enjoyment" of the occasion, which shone through despite the challenging weather conditions.

The significance of this royal visit extends beyond the artistic commemoration, as King Charles III's trip to Jersey marked a historic milestone for the Channel Island. This was the first time a reigning British sovereign had visited Jersey since Queen Elizabeth II's last visit in 2005, making it a momentous occasion for the local community and warranting permanent recognition through Butler's artwork.

Robert MacRae, the Bailiff of Jersey, spoke about the lasting importance of the portrait, stating that it would serve as a permanent reminder of the royal visit for future generations. The artwork will help preserve the memory of this significant day in Jersey's history, when islanders braved the rain to welcome their new sovereign.

Princess Anne's visit to Jersey continues through Wednesday, as part of her ongoing royal duties in the Channel Islands. The unveiling ceremony represents just one part of her official engagements during this visit, highlighting the continued strong ties between the British Royal Family and Jersey.