Royal portrait goes on display

Jan 6 2010

The first double portrait of Princes William and Harry is set to go on display.

The National Portrait Gallery commissioned the painting of the royals who have become two of the most photographed men in the world.

The princes have been depicted together in works of art but always with other individuals.

Artist Nicky Philipps's painting shows the royal brothers in the setting of Clarence House - the official London home of their father the Prince of Wales.

William, 27, and Harry, 25, attended a number of sittings for the painter throughout 2008 and into the following year at the royal residence and other venues.

Philipps, 45, has previously been commissioned to paint a composition of best-selling author Ken Follett.

The royal brothers were featured in a 2007 painting by Sergei Pavlenko, set outside the Old College at Sandhurst, to commemorates Harry's graduation from the military academy.

It was the first time a group portrait of the Royal Family, which included the Queen, Charles and Duke of Edinburgh, featured the Duchess of Cornwall.

Philipps will attend the unveiling at the London gallery with Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery.