A new painting of the Queen has prompted a strong reaction among royalists, with some labelling the artwork as ‘sacrilegious’ and disrespectful to the British monarch.
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The artwork, which was commissioned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s diplomatic service, was revealed during a virtual unveiling last week.
In the painting, the 94-year-old – who is wearing a striking blue dress, pearl necklace and matching brooch – is sitting on a lavish gilt chair in a room at Buckingham Palace.
Following the unveiling, artist Miriam Escofet revealed that she told the Queen she included a hidden symbol in the painting – the FCO insignia – on a tea cup.
“When I explained certain elements of the painting, the teacup, she made some amusing comments,” Miriam began.
“She said ‘but there’s no tea in the cup’.
“I said I’m afraid the tea has been sacrificed for the symbolism,” she added.
The artist went on to say that her “symbolism” nod was inspired by The Ambassadors painting by artist Hans Holbein the Younger, which features a symbolic skull, Express reported.
But while Her Majesty’s reaction to the empty cup was quite jovial, several royalists were seemingly less enthused, with some taking to Twitter to voice their concerns.
“GIVE THE WOMAN A BLOODY CUP OF TEA,” one disgruntled fan wrote, while another questioned whether the lack of tea was “sacrilegious”.
A third person added: “Wonderful painting. HM Queen Elizabeth is right, the cup needs some tea in it.”
Meanwhile another royalist suggested the empty cup was a reflection of state of the government, writing: “The teacup is symbolic of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: empty.”
Despite the criticism, the Queen still appeared to enjoy the likeness of her portrait and following the virtual unveiling said: “I’m glad I’ve had the chance to see it.”
She added: “I hope I’ll see it in real life one day.”
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