King Charles has suffered a huge setback as his portrait in tens of thousands of public buildings has been branded expensive and unpopular, according to a new report.
The Cabinet Office programme, launched around the time of the Coronation, aimed to provide framed images of the King in naval uniform to community venues across the UK.
Legislators hoped the monarch would be a unifying national symbol, visible in places such as churches and council offices.
Oliver Dowden, the then-deputy Prime Minister, said at the time that the portraits would be “a reminder of the example set by our ultimate public servant.”
However, figures obtained by the Guardian reveals that just 20,000 organisations, 31 per cent of those eligible, accepted the free portrait, at a total cost of more than £2.7million.
As per the outlet, more than 46,000 turned down the offer, resulting in a 69 per cent rejection rate. The report claims that hospitals showed little interest, with only three per cent displaying the portrait, and just seven per cent of universities taking part.
Around a quarter of Church of England parishes agreed to hang it, despite the King being their Supreme Governor.
Menawhile, local councils were far more receptive, with 73 per cent accepting the portrait, and every single one of the country’s 23 coastguard organisations taking one.
On the other hand, the supporters argue that royal portraits are a long-standing tradition in the UK and can help foster a sense of national identity, particularly in public spaces. They also point out that the portraits were offered at no cost to the institutions, with the Government covering the expense as part of wider coronation celebrations.
Royal fans and public bodies have also praised the initiative for adding a ceremonial touch to the iconic buildings.