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Royal Navy Trophy Fund unveils Royal paintings onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth
29 May 2025
The Royal Navy Trophy Fund has received two commissioned paintings during a formal presentation held onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, marking the culmination of a special initiative to commemorate the strong tie between the Royal Navy and the Royal Family.
Commissioned in 2024, the paintings depict two significant royal events and symbolise both the Royal Navy’s ceremonial role and its historic connection to the Crown. One captures the use of the State Gun Carriage during the funeral procession of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while the other honours His Majesty King Charles III as he presents a new Colour to the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy Trophy Fund, whose aim is to establish and maintain a collection of items of cultural and historical importance, played a central role in commissioning the two artworks. In December 2023, the Fund’s trustees approved the proposal to proceed with the paintings, reinforcing their mission to promote the heritage and continued legacy of the Royal Navy.
Artists Gideon Summerfield and Fraser Scarfe were selected to undertake the commissions, both having been previously chosen by His Majesty The King for artworks commemorating the Coronation.
Gideon, who painted the King’s presentation of the Colour, is a London-based artist whose work has now become part of The Royal Collection.
Fraser, who captured the Queen’s funeral procession, brings a rich background as Artist in Residence at Lincoln Cathedral and the Royal Drawing School, with several of his paintings already held in the private collection of Queen Camilla.
The portrait of King Charles III is expected to accompany aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on her Far East deployment, while the final home for the Queen Elizabeth II painting is yet to be confirmed, with the Ministry of Defence a likely destination.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering including Trustees of the RNTF, HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commanding Officer, Captain Claire Thompson, Captain of Portsmouth Naval Base, Captain Lee McLocklan, as well as the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and leaders from across Portsmouth’s Historic Quarter and Council.
The event included remarks from Trustees, introductions from the artists, and an opportunity for guests to view the artworks on the ship.
Secretary to the Board of Trustees for the Royal Navy Trophy Fund, Commander Dave Cunningham (Retired) said: “We are delighted to have these two new paintings as part of the collection of the Trophy Fund. “The Trustees wanted to have something meaningful to mark these two momentous occasions, and we hope these two pictures, although very different in their style, will inspire current Royal Navy personnel to understand our ethos and heritage, and to recognise the part they will play in our future.”
The Royal Navy Trophy Fund continues to play a vital role in preserving the Royal Navy’s rich heritage. By commissioning these paintings, the Fund not only honours the enduring connection between the Royal Family and the Royal Navy but also ensures that future generations of sailors remain connected to these defining moments in naval and national history.