Striking new portrait of Princess Anne unveiled in London

A striking new ceremonial portrait depicting Princess Anne in her position as Colonel-in-Chief of the British Army's Intelligence Corps has been revealed in London.

The artwork, created by distinguished British artist Louise Pragnell, was unveiled on Friday and marks the second time the artist has captured the Princess Royal in an official capacity.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the painting at Painters' Hall during London Craft Week, running between May 14 and 16.

The Intelligence Corps commissioned the work in 2024 to honour the Princess Royal following her appointment to the Colonel-in-Chief role, describing it as an expression of profound gratitude for her steadfast dedication to Corps personnel and their mission.

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The portrait shows Her Royal Highness attired in the Intelligence Corps Mess Dress, with each colour carrying deep historical resonance.

Cypress green recalls the gorget patches and hat bands donned by intelligence personnel during the Great War, while French grey takes its origin from armbands worn by Corps soldiers in the Second World War.

The scarlet elements represent secrecy, reflecting the clandestine nature of intelligence work.

Her Royal Highness's medals feature prominently in the composition, bearing witness to decades of devoted service to Crown and Commonwealth.

Among the decorations displayed are the Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the Garter, alongside Jubilee Medals commemorating significant moments throughout the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

The Princess Royal currently stands 18th in the line of succession.

Speaking about the commission, Mrs Pragnell said: "I am deeply grateful for the trust that both the Intelligence Corps and Her Royal Highness have placed in me to paint this significant portrait.

"I am very inspired by The Princess Royal, her humility, approach to work and her dedication are incredible qualities."

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The artist expressed her hope that the painting would serve as a reminder of the Princess Royal's "great character and soft power as a woman in leadership".

Corps Colonel Niklas Fairweather praised the Princess Royal's engagement with the Intelligence Corps since taking up her position in 2022.

"Her Royal Highness has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our people and a genuine interest in our work that has deeply resonated with all who serve," he said.

He described her as "a powerful role model for all our personnel, particularly the women of the Corps".

Mrs Pragnell holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Edinburgh, where she graduated with Distinction and received the Andrew Grant Bequest Scholarship, later pursuing classical training in Florence.

Her work has twice been selected for the Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery, and her previous royal subjects include the Duke of Kent and the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, whose ceremonial portraits marked the 2025 coronation.

That same year, she completed a 2.5-metre portrait of the Princess Royal for the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Visitors may view the new portrait at Painters' Hall, 9 Little Trinity Lane, on Thursday May 14, from 2pm to 5pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Following the exhibition, the painting will take up permanent residence at the Ministry of Defence base housing the Intelligence Corps and Defence Intelligence Training Group.

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