A multi-million plan – branded a ‘shameful waste of money’ – will soon allow public authorities to claim free portraits of the King.
Councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services will be among the UK institutions offered the new official photograph.
Organisations will be able to request one free framed portrait as part of the £8 million government-funded scheme.
The prized official portrait has yet to be released by the Royal Household.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said it will ‘serve as a visible reminder in buildings up and down the country of the nation’s ultimate public servant.’
He added: ‘They will help us turn a page in our history together and pay a fitting tribute to our new sovereign.
‘I am sure they will take pride of place in public buildings across the land.’
Further details of the scheme, which is to open later this year, including which institutions are eligible have yet to be announced.
But the plans have already garnered backlash.
Graham Smith of anti-monarchy campaign Republic said: ‘This is a shameful waste of money. At a time when a majority of local councils are raising taxes and cutting public services, when schools and hospitals are struggling, to spend even £1 on this nonsense would be £1 too much.
‘Charles dodged a huge tax bill last year, when he inherited an estimated £650 million from the Queen. Surely if anyone really wants an official portrait he can stump up the cost himself?
‘The Government has lost the plot if they think people want their money spent on pictures of Charles. They need to scrap this scheme and direct the money where it’s really needed.
‘The coronation is estimated to cost anything from £50-£100 million – and we can see why. This waste is absolutely scandalous.’
The Cabinet Office said the move follows in a tradition which has seen many institutions display official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said: ‘This scheme will allow thousands of public institutions across the UK to mark this defining moment in our nation’s history with pride.
‘The coronation of His Majesty the King is an opportunity for the whole country to unite, and these new portraits continue a very British tradition to celebrate this momentous occasion.’
Previously, the Government announced plans to set aside £1,000,000 for massive TVs to screen the King’s coronation.
More than 30 screens will be set up for royal fans nationwide, at sites including Cardiff Castle, Belfast City Hall, Piece Hall in Halifax, Jubilee Square in Brighton and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.
The cash has been set aside for the jumbotrons by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said the coronation on May 6 would be a ‘magical moment’ which will unite people ‘to celebrate the best of Britain’.
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