A portrait of the late Baroness Thatcher has been unveiled at Hever Castle.

Normally hung in the Astor Wing, it is the first time the painting has been available for members of the public to see, and has gone on display in tribute to the former Prime Minister who died on Monday, April 8.

The work is by acclaimed portrait painter June Mendoza, and involved six two hour sittings which took place in 1983 at 10 Downing Street and Chequers.

It was subsequently purchased from the artist in 1999 by the Guthrie family, the current owners of Hever Castle, and Baroness Thatcher visited that summer to see the portrait in its new setting.

In a letter thanking Mr and Mrs Guthrie for their hospitality, she wrote: "It was good to see June Mendoza again and the superb portrait with which she had taken so much trouble. I am greatly honoured that it is being placed in such a commanding position in that lovely room. Moreover, as one gets older, it is good to think that I shall be remembered as I was at the height of power and when I was very much younger!"

She described her time at Hever as "an unforgettable day of interest and pleasure," adding, "I have seen several castles and large country houses but none as perfect as Hever and few which contained so much historic interest."

The portrait will be on view at Hever Castle until after Baroness Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday, April 17. It is open every day, and admission to the castle and gardens is priced £15 for adults, £8.50 for children. Call Hever Castle on 01732 865224.

Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk