Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall came face-to-face with her own image in Southampton when she unveiled a specially-commissioned portrait of herself on board Queen Victoria – the Cunard liner that The Duchess named five years ago in December 2007. Her Royal Highness was making a special return visit to Queen Victoria to mark the fifth birthday celebrations. The portrait was painted by noted royal artist Richard Stone.

Cunard’s President and Managing Director Peter Shanks said, “We are delighted that Her Royal Highness joined us for such a special day in the life of the ship and her crew. Queen Victoria is very much The Duchess’ ship and we are honoured that she continues to display such an interest in the ship and her crew”.

This new portrait of The Duchess is in keeping with the Cunard tradition of commissioning commemorative sculptures or portraits for display on board each ship named by a member of the Royal Family.  The three-quarter length artwork shows The Duchess seated and dressed in a cream suit with ruffle detailing.  It replaces a photograph of The Duchess which she signed just before naming Queen Victoria, and will be given a prominent place in the ship’s Grand Lobby.

Renowned artist Richard Stone was commissioned by Cunard to paint the new portrait. He has been a portrait painter for 35 years and has painted most members of the Royal Family. The Duchess sat for Stone three times at Clarence House.