Who is the subject of the portrait unveiled by Jonathan Yeo in May 2024?

The portrait unveiled by Jonathan Yeo in May 2024 is of Charles III, who became King following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The choice reflects the significant shift in the British monarchy and the artistic interpretation of the current reigning monarch, capturing not only his royal status but also the contemporary relevance of his role in modern Britain. Jonathan Yeo is known for his skill in portraiture and ability to encapsulate the personalities of his subjects, making the unveiling an important cultural event, especially for a king during a transformative period for the monarchy.

Given the date of the unveiling, other figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, who had passed away in 2022, would not be depicted in a contemporary portrait, while David Beckham and Prince William, while significant figures, do not hold the same royal status as Charles III, making it natural for a portrait to focus on the current king during this time.