The Duchess of Edinburgh unveiled a remarkable new portrait of herself, crafted by mouth painter Sarah Jane Parsons, during a London gallery visit on Wednesday. The artwork draws inspiration from a photograph capturing the Duchess during her Nepal trip with Prince Edward last year. Dressed in a chic black blazer and white skirt, the 61-year-old royal immersed herself in the experience, touring the exhibits and connecting with artists who create masterpieces using only their mouths or feet.

Artist’s Tribute and Technique

Sarah Jane Parsons, an American artist, described the commission as “extremely, extremely honoured,” emphasizing her admiration for the Duchess’s global initiatives. “It’s pretty much the highest honour I feel that I could have, to paint a portrait of somebody in the Royal Family,” she stated.

Parsons selected watercolor to honor a Royal Family tradition believed to originate with Queen Victoria. She incorporated a Philip Morris print in the background to evoke the British Arts and Crafts movement, allowing the composition to come together seamlessly.

Gallery Tour and Royal Engagement

Serving as Patron of the Treloar Trust, the Duchess explored the exhibition at RHS Lindley Hall, ongoing until week’s end, and departed with the portrait as a special gift. She marveled at the artists’ precision, employing diverse methods like watercolors and magnetic boards.

Board member and artist Tom Yendell OBE guided the tour. Afterward, he shared, “Her Royal Highness’s visit was fantastic. She not only visited the artists we thought she would, but also spoke with artists from all over the world, like those from Taiwan and France, so it’s been a really special event.”

The Duchess also connected with British talents Rob Trent and Keith Jansz, while observing live demonstrations by Alison Lapper MBE, Rosie Moriarty-Simmonds OBE, and Bazza West.

Exhibition Highlights

Titled “Defying Limits, Defining Art: 70 Years of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists,” the showcase features over 120 original works from more than 33 countries. It honors the organization’s 70-year history and the vibrant creativity across the Commonwealth.

Attendees enjoy rare encounters with these resilient creators, whose pieces span landscapes, portraits, contemporary styles, and abstracts—proof of boundless imagination.

The exhibition runs from April 15 to April 18 at The Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, in Westminster.