'Proud Brit' gets tattoo of Queen in epic six-hour inking session

A royal fan has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by getting a tattoo of the late monarch on his leg. Graham Knowles, 49, decided he was going to get the tattoo when he heard about the passing of the Queen.

He said: "With everything going on right now, it felt it was the right thing to do. I am just very proud to be British. I am so proud of the Queen and what she did."

It isn't Graham's first time under the needle. He also has a tattoo of Winston Churchill on his left leg. Brendan Roberts was Graham's artist of choice for that patriotic tattoo as well. Graham said he has "plenty of tattoos, mainly of Bolton Wanderers or England."

Speaking about the epic six-hour tattooing session, Graham said: "It did hurt, very much so, because Brendan is a bit of a perfectionist, so it did drag on a bit." On his family and friends' reaction, Graham said: "They know what I'm like. I am very proud to be British, they're not surprised."

Graham, from Horwich, was full of praise for Brendan's work, saying: "Brendan's a local legend, he also did my Winston Churchill tattoo, he deserves all the credit."

Patriotic fan Graham Knowles also has a tattoo of Winston Churchill on his left leg, which is another commission undertaken by tattoo artist Brendan Roberts (Black Line Tattoo Studio | Brendan Roberts Tattoo Artist | Graham Knowles)

The patriotic tattoo fan works with Geordie Bullies Springboard Rescue, a charity that saves and rehomes any English bulldog in need. It is a cause close to Graham's heart - he adopted Winnie, a nine-year-old English Bulldog and is keen to spread the word about the great work the charity undertakes.

Speaking about Charles III, Graham said: "I think he'll make a brilliant king. He's waited long enough, I am definitely happy for to him take over."

Brendan, the owner of Black Line Tattoo Studios in Bolton, has been in the trade for 23 years and is renowned for his intricate inking and fine attention to detail. Working from several official portraits, Brendan met up with Graham and set to work. Less than 24 hours later, Graham walked away with the royal tattoo emblazoned on his right leg.

Brendan, 45, said: "Just done today, very red still but I’m happy with the outcome. I am always happiest tattooing portraits and was very proud to be asked to do one of the Queen."