If you have ever been inside Reading Borough Council’s chamber, you will have noticed a large portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

And some 13 months on from her death, the image remains in situ despite the late monarch’s passing and the changing of monarchs.

The Local Democracy Service enquired about why there isn’t an updated image to show King Charles III in the civic offices on Bridge Street.

And the council explained why. A spokesman said this is because no official portrait of King Charles III has been released yet.

So authorities around the country – including Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell – can’t display a picture of him.

Reading Chronicle: The Reading Borough Council chamber during a full council meeting. The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is in the background. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe Reading Borough Council chamber during a full council meeting. The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is in the background. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Once the portrait is issued, public authorities such as councils which are eligible will be offered the opportunity to request one free framed portrait for display.

Other authorities that can request free portraits include courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services.

These authorities will be able to apply for a portrait from the government.