UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has reportedly replaced a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at the Foreign Office with artworks featuring the Pan-African flag, according to The Telegraph. The change was made shortly after Lammy assumed the role in 2024. The decision signifies a shift in the department’s visual representation, moving away from traditional royal imagery.
The artworks displayed are by Larry Achiampong, known for his focus on African identity and heritage in contemporary art. The inclusion of Pan-African flag motifs may reflect Lammy’s commitment to emphasizing African culture and history within the Foreign Office’s visual space.
This move has drawn attention as part of broader discussions around institutional symbolism and representation. While some see it as a step toward diversification and recognition of African heritage, others view it as a significant departure from longstanding traditions of royal portraiture in government buildings.
It remains to be seen how this symbolic gesture will influence official protocols or diplomatic narratives, but it marks a notable moment in the ongoing dialogue about national identity and historical memory within UK institutions.