King Charles faces pressure to modernise monarchy after ‘elderly’ portrait

King Charles urged to include younger royals as a newly released portrait marking the 100th birth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked debate over the ageing face of the monarchy.

The image, taken at Buckingham Palace, features the King and Queen Camilla alongside senior working royals including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Most of those who were included in the portrait are over 60 with some well into their 80s and 90s.

Speaking on it, royal commentator Jennie Bond said the photo highlights a growing disconnect between the monarchy and younger generations.

She warned while speaking with The Mirror that the lack of youthful representation could fuel apathy.

“There’s no getting away from the fact that the image of the working royals today is of a largely elderly group of people - and that does add to a disconnect between the monarchy and the younger generation,” the insider said.

They added, “When William and Harry were the pin up lads, and then Catherine and Meghan came on the scene, young people were naturally more engaged and enthused.

“And I have always thought that apathy, particularly amongst young people, is the biggest danger to the popularity of the monarchy.”