Tories blow £8million by giving council offices free portraits of the King

Councils, Courts Schools, Police Forces and Fire and Rescue Services will be able to request a free framed portrait of King Charles, in the part of a program to "celebrate his new reign"

Councils can request a free portrait of King Charles - but that won't be the painting released this week (

Image: PA)

Ministers are set to spend £8million to provide free portraits of the King to council offices across the country.

Council officials will be able to request a free framed portrait of King Charles, as part of a program to "celebrate his new reign".

The offer will also be open to courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services after the coronation on May 6.

Tory Minister Oliver Dowden said: 'We have entered a new reign in our history.

"Now that we come together to prepare for the splendor of the King's coronation, these new portraits will serve as a visible reminder in buildings across the country of the nation's ultimate public servant."

But Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchist group Republic, called the plan a "disgraceful waste of money".