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WILLEM VAN DE VELDE THE YOUNGER (1633-1707)

The 'Royal Escape' in a Breeze

1672-85

RCIN 405211

On 15 October 1651 Charles II escaped from England in a coal-brig called the Surprise which he later purchased, converted into a yacht and renamed The Royal Escape. In this imagined re-enactment of the event, painted well after the King’s Restoration in 1660, the yacht represents the heroism of his escape from the storm clouds of rebellion towards the blue skies of a safe haven. Painted for Charles II No. 26

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.