King Charles chuckles as he tries gilding an antique dragon during special workshop visit
King Charles visited the Royal Collection Trust’s Decorative Arts conservation workshop.
King Charles was spotted in a fit of laughter during his visit (Image: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025/Royal Collection )
King Charles tried his hand at gilding an antique dragon during a visit to the Royal Collection Trust’s Decorative Arts conservation workshop.
The 76-year-old, who is a keen artist, had a go at applying gold leaf to the ornate 19th century Chinese-inspired artefact which will go back on display to be seen by visitors in Buckingham Palace’s East Wing.
During his visit, the King was also shown objects being conserved for the forthcoming exhibition The Edwardians: Age Of Elegance.
The King, who was seen chuckling during the experience, was filmed concentrating hard as he practised delicately applying gold leaf to the dragon’s tooth under the supervision of gilding conservator Gary Gronnestad, using a flat wide brush.
Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold leaf to a multi-layered carved and prepared surface.
King Charles chuckles as he tries gilding an antique dragon during special workshop visit
King Charles visited the Royal Collection Trust’s Decorative Arts conservation workshop.
King Charles tried his hand at gilding an antique dragon during a visit to the Royal Collection Trust’s Decorative Arts conservation workshop.
The 76-year-old, who is a keen artist, had a go at applying gold leaf to the ornate 19th century Chinese-inspired artefact which will go back on display to be seen by visitors in Buckingham Palace’s East Wing.
During his visit, the King was also shown objects being conserved for the forthcoming exhibition The Edwardians: Age Of Elegance.
The King, who was seen chuckling during the experience, was filmed concentrating hard as he practised delicately applying gold leaf to the dragon’s tooth under the supervision of gilding conservator Gary Gronnestad, using a flat wide brush.
Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold leaf to a multi-layered carved and prepared surface.
The gilding had worn away over the centuries and, once their conservation is complete, they will be returned to the Centre Room Lobby, where they can be seen by visitors during tours of the East Wing.
They were originally made for the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and reflected the extravagant George IV’s love of Asian art and design.
King Charles also met senior metalwork conservator Sophy Wills and art handler David East on the visit to London last Tuesday and was shown objects being prepared for the exhibition The Edwardians: Age Of Elegance display, which begins at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace in April.
This visit comes shortly after King Charles stepped out in his uniform on Tuesday – just hours after Meghan Markle’s new eight-part show on Netflix was launched.
King Charles was seen concentrating on his work (Image: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025/Royal Collection Trust)
His Majesty, in his role as Commodore-in-Chief of Aircraft Carriers, visited HMS Prince of Wales at sea.
During his visit, the King met the ship’s company members during the final stages of their pre-deployment training in the Channel.
He also witnessed an F-35B Aircraft conducting carrier deck landing exercises and chatted to sailors in the hangar.
