Sir Winston Churchill ‘Roaring Lion’ portrait returns to Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier hotel

The “Roaring Lion” returned to the walls of Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier, nearly three years after the historic portrait of Sir Winston Churchill was stolen.

The Ottawa hotel hosted a ceremony on Friday to celebrate as the “‘Roaring Lion’ reclaims its rightful place among the treasured walls of the Fairmont Château Laurier,” after it returned from Italy this fall. It is located in the original home in Zoe’s Lounge, formerly the “Reading Lounge” at the downtown Ottawa hotel.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier general manager Genevieve Dumas stands in front of Yousuf Karsh’s 1941 portrait of Winston Churchill following its unveiling at the hotel, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The portrait by photographer Yousuf Karsh was discovered missing in August 2022, and officials narrowed down the timeline to the portrait being stolen between Dec. 25, 2021, and Jan. 6, 2022, and replaced with a fake copy.

In September, the Ottawa Police Service announced the portrait had been located in Italy.   Police said the portrait was sold through an auction house in London to a buyer in Italy, adding, “both of whom were unaware that the piece was stolen.”

Ottawa police investigators worked with the London Metropolitan Police and the Italian Carabinieri to search for the photo.

“With the help of public tips, forensic analysis, and international cooperation, investigators tracked down the individual responsible for the theft,” police said. “Additionally, open-source research and collaboration with other agencies were key in identifying the suspect.”

Jeffrey Iain James Wood, 43, from Powassan, Ont., is facing several charges, including forgery, theft over $5,000 and trafficking.

The photo of Churchill was taken on Dec. 30, 1941 on Parliament Hill after the then-British prime minister delivered a speech about the Second World War to Canada’s Parliament.

Karsh was a former resident of the Château Laurier for nearly two decades, and operated his photography studio on the hotel’s sixth floor. In 1998, Karsh donated the portrait of Churchill to the Château Laurier on permanent loan.

Winston Churchill, 1941, by Yousuf Karsh. (NOTE: The above image may only be used for articles related to this incident. No other rights are granted.)

In late September, officials from the Château Laurier and the Ottawa Police Service travelled to Rome for a ceremony to transfer the art to Canadian hands.  

Château Laurier has teased the return of the “Roaring Lion” portrait on social media, along with the reopening of Zoe’s restaurant.

“Two Icons Return to the Castle. November 18,” the hotel said.

“He’s Back – Karsh’s iconic portrait of Winston Churchill, The Roaring Lion, returns to its original home in Zoe’s Lounge (formerly the Reading Lounge). She’s Back – Zoe’s reopens for drinks, dining, and other delights. Experience it all starting November 18.”

 With files from CTV News National News correspondent Judy Trinh