King Charles' new military garb portrait unveiled as Queen Camilla shares message to mark Armed Forces Day

LONDON, ENGLAND: Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of King Charles III while Queen Camilla commended the armed forces for their efforts to "support and strengthen our nation" in honor of Armed Forces Day.

The new portrait of the Head of the Armed Forces was released on June 29 local time, in honor of Armed Forces Day—the UK's yearly celebration honoring military people, their families, veterans, and cadets.

The picture was released in tandem with Queen Camilla paying tribute to military personnel, whom she called a "source of inspiration, reassurance and pride" in a video message.

King Charles shines in new portrait by his coronation photographer

Photographer Hugo Burnand captured the image of Charles III in November 2023 in the Grand Corridor of Windsor Castle, per Daily Mail. The King is dressed in his Field Marshal No. 1 Full Ceremonial Frock Coat, which is adorned with medals, a sword, and other decorations.

Photographer Burnand took behind the lens for the latest picture of King Charles that was issued during the 80th anniversary year of D-Day. From the time Charles ascended to the throne, Burnand has been involved in many official royal portraits.

These include the coronation portraits and the Cabinet Office's picture of the King, which is displayed in public buildings by the British government, police, courts, and rescue services, per People.

Burnand and King Charles's connection dates far further back. The official wedding photographs from Charles and Camilla's 2005 wedding and Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 nuptials were captured by Burnand.

Queen Camilla delivered video message on Armed Forces Day in departure from custom

Buckingham Palace additionally released a video with Camilla expressing gratitude to families, veterans, and active military personnel. She also thanked the armed forces for "everything you do to protect this country of ours."

As the leader of the British military, the monarch has always marked the occasion, but as the "proud daughter" of an army officer, the King let his wife take the reins, as reported by Daily Mail.

Camilla expressed her gratitude to be able to commemorate the men and women who served in the military, calling herself "deeply honored."

Her father, Major Bruce Shand, received the Military Cross and Bar for actions of exceptional bravery during the Second World War.

The video message was recorded in the Clarence House morning chamber, including Queen Camilla donning her brooch from the Royal Lancers—the regiment her father belonged to and of which Her Majesty is the Colonel in Chief.

She said, "Thank you all for everything you do to protect this country of ours. We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of stability and peace around the world."

Then, Camilla talked about how she and the King had spent the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

"We were reminded of the incredible bravery of the Allied land, sea and air forces whose combined endeavors brought about the liberation of Western Europe and in whose debt we shall forever be," she continued.

Camilla added: "Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude."

In addition, she recognized families that "keep the home fires burning" while their relatives serve abroad.

"As the proud daughter of an Army officer, I know something of the impact military life has on your loved ones – you too are heroes," Camilla continued.

"In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our Armed Forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride – and I salute you all," she concluded.