Read a State Portrait

This is King Charles I, painted by Anthony van Dyck in 1636. Click a word, then click a number on the painting (or in the list).

Check Start again

Look at these four State Portraits. Tick everything you can see in each one. Click a painting to make it bigger.

Did you notice? The kings never wear their crown in these portraits: it is always on a table, next to them. Only Elizabeth I wears it.

This is King George III. Choose the right words to complete the description.

In 2025, two new State Portraits arrived at Buckingham Palace. Watch the video, then answer the questions.

See the two portraits on the official website of the Royal Family: royal.uk/state-portraits. Which symbols from part 2 can you find?

Now it's your turn to be painted like a king or a queen!

1. Draw your own State Portrait, or take a photo of yourself dressed up.
2. Put in at least four symbols: a crown, a sceptre, an orb, a robe, a curtain, a pillar...
3. Write 5 or 6 sentences to describe it. Use part 3 as a model.
4. Present your portrait to the class. Your classmates find the symbols!

Need words? Open the vocabulary list.