Andy Warhol — Reigning Queens For Sale

Reigning Queens for Sale

Andy Warhol's Reigning Queens (1985) is among the most celebrated portrait series of the 20th century — and one of the most actively traded Warhol portfolios on the global secondary market. The series comprises sixteen screenprints in two distinct editions: the standard edition and the prestigious Royal Edition with diamond dust.

The portfolio portrays the four reigning queens of 1985 in Warhol's signature pop idiom: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland. Each monarch receives four prints — two in the standard edition, two in the Royal Edition — rendered in vivid, non-naturalistic colour palettes that transform official portraiture into something wholly new.

Edition Information

The standard edition was published in an edition of 30 per image, while the Royal Edition (with diamond dust applied over the image surface) was limited to just 30 per image. Each print measures 39⅜ × 31½ inches, printed on Lenox Museum Board. Published by George C. P. Munn and printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York.

Market Context

Reigning Queens has always commanded strong prices, but since Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022, demand for the Elizabeth II prints in particular has surged markedly. Both the standard and Royal Edition Elizabeth II prints have seen renewed auction interest and consistently achieve results well above estimate. The diamond dust Royal Edition prints are rarer and typically carry a substantial premium over their standard counterparts.

Collector Note

Whether acquired as individual prints or as complete portfolios, Reigning Queens offers exceptional collector value — culturally resonant, visually striking, and now carrying additional historical poignancy. Guy Hepner Gallery offers Reigning Queens prints for sale in both standard and Royal Edition formats. Enquire for current availability and pricing.