‘I hope I’ll see it in real life’: Queen reacts to new portrait unveiling over video call

It marks the first time portrait of a member of the royal family has been unveiled virtually

(Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

The Queen has praised the “incredible” work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) during the coronavirus pandemic in a video call during which a painting of HRH was unveiled in the reception of the FCO building.

It’s the first time that a portrait of a member of the royal family has been unveiled virtually.

The artwork was commissioned by the FCO and painted by Miriam Escofet, who won the BP Portrait Award in 2018.

In addition to HRH, the video call was attended by Escofet and Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under secretary and head of the diplomatic service at the FCO.

On the call, Her Majesty talked to FCO staff who worked to repatriate British nationals who were abroad in lockdown and could not get home.

The Queen also heard about work the UK government is doing internationally to develop a vaccine. 

“We are honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen see this unique portrait unveiling and hear about FCO’s vital work responding to the coronavirus pandemic, getting British travellers home and working with other countries to develop a vaccine,” said Sir McDonald after the call.

“Her Majesty The Queen is our best diplomat. This beautiful new portrait is a tribute to her lifetime of service and we’re glad our many visitors will see it for years to come.”

Escofet commented that it was a “huge honour” to paint a portrait of The Queen and to join her to unveil the portrait virtually.

(Foreign & Commonwealth Office) (Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

“I wanted the portrait to capture Her Majesty’s humanity, her radiance and her warmth, which came through so strongly in the two portrait sittings,” she said.

During the video call, the Monarch praised the FCO staff for their “incredible work”.

“It sounds as though everybody in the FCO has been doing the most incredible work,” she said. “I must say I’m very impressed to hear about it.”

With regards to the portrait itself, The Queen added: “I’m glad I’ve had the chance to see it. I hope I’ll see it in real life one day.”