King Charles left 'greatly saddened' by death of great friend David Hockney

King Charles has been left "greatly saddened" by the death of his "great friend" David Hockney.

The renowned British artist, celebrated as one of the most significant figures in contemporary art across two centuries, died at the age of 88, it was confirmed today.

His publicist confirmed the news, stating that Hockney "passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday".

His Majesty, who met Mr Hockney in his London home last year, expressed his profound sadness over the death of his "great friend".

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"My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the death of David Hockney OM, a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many," he said.

"David was one of life’s true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions.

"I trust they will see him tread safely into the hereafter as we mourn a man whose irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation will be most sorely missed, but whose dazzling creativity lives on in galleries and museums around the world."

King Charles visited Mr Hockney's Marylebone home in March 2025, where the famed artist revealed that he did not offer to paint the monarch because he only paints people he knows.

"He came on Monday for about an hour. But I didn’t offer to paint him," he told The Times at the time.

The artist is not shy about declining royals. He previously turned down a knighthood in 1990 and famously refused an invitation to paint the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Bradford-born painter, famous for his vivid use of colour and instantly recognisable depictions of Californian swimming pools, did receive the Order of Merit in 2012, however.

Mr Hockney leaves behind an extraordinary body of work spanning more than six decades.

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His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from admirers around the world, with tributes flooding social media platforms throughout the day.

He emerged as a leading voice of the pop art movement during the 1960s, becoming the definitive artistic chronicler of Los Angeles's sunlit vistas and shimmering blue pools.

His 1967 masterpiece A Bigger Splash stands among his most acclaimed creations, capturing the essence of Californian leisure with characteristic boldness.

The artist's commercial success matched his critical acclaim. Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) sold for an astonishing £67.42 million at auction in 2018, establishing it as one of the priciest works ever purchased by a living artist.

His remarkable career saw him master numerous disciplines, including painting, printmaking, photography and theatrical design.

In his later years, Mr Hockney broke new ground by embracing digital technology, producing innovative artworks on his iPad that showcased his continued relevance to contemporary audiences.

The artist came out publicly at 23, a full seven years before homosexual acts were decriminalised in Britain. His early canvases boldly explored themes of gay love and desire at a time when such subjects remained taboo.

He is survived by his long-term partner Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, his brothers Philip and John, and several nieces and nephews.

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