Britain’s National Portrait Gallery (BNG) is a fine institution that I have enjoyed visiting for lo these many years. It has been closed for a major facelift for the last several years and today was the first time that I visited the newly refreshed location. It is as interesting and provocative as ever. But somebody is still missing. Somebody important and somebody whose omission I have pointed out to them for many times since April of 2005.

As I toured the galleries that covered the 20th and 21st centuries, I saw many familiar faces from the arts, science, politics, British sports, and, of course, the British Royal Family. There were several portraits of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. One particularly touching one was the last portrait of her with the late Prince Philip. There were several portraits of the newly named Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine. There was even a picture of King Charles III’s late first wife Diana, Princes of Wales. Amid all the portraits of people who have had a significant role in the United Kingdom in the last 18 years, however, let alone, the last year, I had to go to the exhibit titled “Works In Progress to find a recent portrait of King Charles, (by himself). “Hmm,” I said to myself, “where’s the Queen, where is Queen Camilla? Don’t tell me they still don’t have a portrait of her on display. She’s the Queen of the UK for goodness sake!” But, after checking with the staff available, it was true. No Queen Camilla. So, I’m not sure if it’s just me beefing with the BNG or if the BNG is beefing with the Queen.

Anyway, here are the portraits of the former monarch and her consort and current monarch, all by his lonesome. The final one is a portrait of TS Elliot by one of my favorite artists, Patrick Heron, who only did a few portraits of close friends. They are not always on display, so I am thrilled when I get a chance to see one of Heron’s works.

The other big news is that Fulham FC won their season opener against Everton, the “other” team in Liverpool. The home opener at Craven Cottage will be this Saturday and I will be there!

I’m hoping to make this museum week, with a special Wednesday visit with a good friend more to come.

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