4 years in the making: King Charles III finally unveils his official portrait in vibrant red

King Charles III on Tuesday unveiled the first completed official portrait of himself since his coronation -- a striking red depiction of the British monarch in uniform.

The 230cm by 165.5cm (7.5 feet by 5.4 feet) oil on canvas was painted by Jonathan Yeo, who has previously depicted Charles's wife Camilla in 2014, and his father, Prince Philip, in 2008.

The portrait captures the 75-year-old head of state, dressed in the ceremonial red uniform of the Welsh Guards, set against a vibrant red background. A butterfly delicately hovers over his shoulder, adding a touch of symbolism to the artwork.

Commissioned in 2020 by Yeo, a 53-year-old artist, the portrait was intended to commemorate Charles' 50 years as a member of The Drapers' Company. It was completed during Charles' tenure as the Prince of Wales.

For the creation of the portrait, Charles sat for Yeo on four separate occasions between June 2021 and November 2023. The artwork is currently on public display and will eventually find its permanent home in Drapers' Hall, which serves as the headquarters for the historic merchants' guild and philanthropic organization in the City of London.

The king, who ascended to the throne in September 2022 following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has been undergoing treatment for cancer. Recently, he has resumed his official public engagements.

"Much like the butterfly I've painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject's role in our public life has transformed," Yeo said before an unveiling at Buckingham Palace.

"I'm unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming king," he added in a statement.

Yeo's previous notable subjects include the first painted portrait of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and Britain's former prime minister Tony Blair.