In reply to a letter of Kelly's dated 4 January 1950, relating to the exhibition of portraits of members of the royal family at the summer exhibition:
the King commands that his wishes in the matter, namely that he retain a veto over any portrait passed by the Selection Committee, which he did not wish to be exhibited, should be read personally every year by the President to the Council and Selection Committee. By doing so, it would "doubtless assist the Selection Committee in their deliberations."