King Charles cuts a dash as official portrait to go in public buildings is unveiled
THE King cuts a dash in an official portrait to go in public buildings.
The Windsor Castle image of Charles will next month be sent free to authorities as part of an £8million Government scheme.
But anti-monarchy group Republic has called it a “shameful waste of money”.
Chief executive of Republic, Graham Smith, said: "At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much."
He added: "The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it's really needed."
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: "The accession of His Majesty The King marked a new chapter in our national story.
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"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."
The Cabinet Office said: "His Majesty's accession has marked the beginning of a new reign and the UK Government considers it right that public authorities have the opportunity to commemorate this moment and reflect the new era in our history."
The portraits are expected to be delivered before April this year.
Yesterday, Queen Camilla revealed that King Charles does a spellbinding impression of Harry Potter and friends for his grandchildren.
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Camilla said Charles does the impressions while reading bedtime stories.
She said: “I can’t mimic voices for love or money.
“I’m completely hopeless at it but my husband, he does it brilliantly.”
Charles loves the children’s series.
The first coin to feature his effigy was a commemorative 50p with wizard Albus Dumbledore on the reverse to mark 25 years since the first book was published.