Churchill photo recovered in Rome after theft in Canada

A stolen photo portrait of Winston Churchill, known as 'The Roaring Lion,' was successfully recovered in Rome after a two-year international investigation. The portrait, taken by Yousuf Karsh in 1941, was stolen from the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa between Christmas 2021 and January 6, 2022. It was replaced with a forgery, which was only discovered months later when a hotel employee noticed discrepancies in the display. The recovery involved cooperation between Canadian and Italian authorities, culminating in a ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome. During this event, the Italian carabinieri police returned the portrait to Canadian ambassador Elissa Goldberg, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to its recovery. The portrait was originally gifted to the hotel by Karsh and his wife in 1998, reflecting its historical significance. The image played a crucial role in launching Karsh's career, as he went on to photograph many prominent figures of the 20th century. A 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, was arrested in April and charged with theft and trafficking of the portrait. His name remains protected by a publication ban. The portrait is now set to return to its rightful place at the Fairmont Château Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable piece of history.