Coastguard centres embrace free portrait of King Charles amid mixed reception

In Britain, a significant initiative was launched to commemorate the new reign of King Charles, which included offering over 20,500 portraits featuring the King in his Royal Navy uniform as Admiral of the Fleet. The offer was publicized across various public institutions, with all 23 HM Coastguard centres enthusiastically accepting the portrait, showcasing their support for the monarchy. However, the acceptance rates across other sectors were notably lower. Among the country’s hospitals, only 40 out of 1,454 took up the offer, representing less than 3 percent participation. Similarly, just 35 universities and higher education establishments, or roughly 7.4 percent, accepted the portrait. This disparity highlights a divide in the appreciation for the royal portrait, reflecting sentiments towards the monarchy across different public sectors. The response from HM Coastguard contrasting with the lukewarm reception from hospitals and universities shows that enthusiasm for such symbolic tributes can vary significantly within public institutions in Britain, raising questions about the monarchy's relevance and support in contemporary society.