The UK Royal Family connections with the world of art

The Royal correspondent of The UK Telegraph throws light on the Royal Family connections with the art world:

The Queen - The Queen is hugely knowledgable about fine art, with the Royal Collection among the finest collection of art works anywhere in the world. In keeping with Royal tradition, she is particularly keen on collecting pieces of Fabergé. Next year, the Queen will allow Buckingham Palace to be used as a canvas for a projection of a montage portrait in her image, created by schoolchildren. She is also Royal Patron of the Royal Academy of Arts.

The Duke of Edinburgh - The Duke is an accomplished artist, and several of his landscapes hang in Royal residences. He was a close friend of the late artist Edward Seago, with whom he often painted. He is also a champion of design, and founded the Prince Philip Designers Prize in 1959. Prince Philip is honorary president of the Friends of the Royal Academy.

Prince of Wales - The Prince of Wales is a keen watercolourist, and was tutored as a young man by artists including Seago, John Ward and Derek Hill. Prince Charles often paints landscapes while holidaying at Balmoral and Sandringham and has exhibited and sold many of his works to generate income for his charities. He is a champion of the arts and several of his charities reflect this. The Prince is also honorary president of the Royal Academy Trust.

The Earl of Wessex - After leaving the Royal Marines, Prince Edward pursued a career in theatrical production, working for Lord Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company. He went on to run his own theatre and television production company, Ardent Productions, for more than 10 years. Many of the charities Prince Edward supports are linked to the arts.

Princess Michael of Kent - Princess Michael of Kent has long been involved with the arts. She is was formerly President of Partridge Fine Art antique dealership in Mayfair and works with the Galerie Gmurzynska in Switzerland. Princess Michael is also an author and interior designer.

Lady Helen Taylor - The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Lady Helen Taylor worked for several years with the contemporary art dealer Karsten Schubert, and once said she turned down the opportunity to represent the artist Damien Hirst. She is married to the art dealer and gallerist Timothy Taylor.