King Charles III and Queen Camilla are hosting a special reception at Buckingham Palace today to honor the 40th anniversary of artists accompanying the Royal Family on official international tours. This longstanding tradition, established in 1985, celebrates the unique role artists play in capturing royal visits through their creative perspectives.
Celebrating a Unique Royal Tradition
The event marks four decades of artists traveling as official members of the royal delegation, documenting historic moments on canvas rather than through traditional photography. To commemorate this milestone, Their Majesties attended the preview of the King’s Tour Artists exhibition, which will open to the public tomorrow as part of Buckingham Palace’s summer season.
A Rich Artistic Legacy
The exhibition highlights the creative legacy of 43 artists who have joined King Charles on 70 official visits to 95 countries and territories. Visitors will be able to admire 74 remarkable artworks, including a rare watercolor painted by King Charles himself during the very first artist-accompanied tour to Italy in 1985.
This initiative has given both established and emerging artists the chance to produce commissioned works while traveling abroad, offering unique insights into the cultural and diplomatic aspects of royal tours.
Honoring the Past and Present
During the reception held in the Palace Ballroom, King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet Toby Ward, son of John Ward, the first artist to accompany the then Prince of Wales on the historic Italy visit. The exhibition also features contemporary pieces such as those by Fraser Scarfe, who traveled with the royal couple during their State Visit to Italy in April 2025.
