Just In: Here’s why every Australian can request, and receive, a free portrait of King Charles Check In For More Details

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Hours before King Charles III was due to arrive in Australia last week, lawmaker Patrick Gorman posted on social media offering free printed portraits of the British royal for any constituents who visited his office in Perth to claim one.

Gorman, an assistant minister in Australia’s federal government, told The Associated Press that “a number” of eager constituents sought a portrait.

The photos of King Charles are available under a little-known government policy that allows every Australian to request, and receive, a portrait of their monarch.
It’s unusual in a nation where leaders are increasingly ambivalent about the British royals as Australia’s heads of state.

Elsewhere, British institutions can apply for portraits of King Charles, but individuals usually cannot. In New Zealand, free portraits are available for digital download only. Canadians can receive a printed copy from a monarchist organization if they pay for postage.