A mysterious street art piece has appeared overnight on a brick wall in Windsor, England, sparking widespread speculation that the elusive artist Banksy may be behind the provocative work. The mural, located on Charles Street opposite the Windsor Yards parking garage, depicts a royal guard wearing a traditional bearskin hat and winter coat, holding a spray can in his hand. Alongside the figure, the words "GOD SAVE THE KING DOM" are painted, with the word "DOM" appearing hastily added in black paint, as if someone intentionally broke the venerable motto.
The artwork appeared overnight on Wednesday on the wall of the Ward Royal residential complex, immediately drawing crowds of local residents who gathered to take photos and speculate about its origins. The motif carries all the typical characteristics of the world's most famous street artist – royal imagery, political undertones, and subversive messaging that has become Banksy's signature style.
Windsor has been gripped by what locals are calling "Banksy fever" since the discovery. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments and theories about the artwork's authenticity, with some fans already traveling to see the piece in person. One user jokingly asked on social media, "Does anyone have a concrete saw?" – a reference to the high value that authenticated Banksy works command in the art market.
The excitement surrounding the potential Banksy piece stems from more than just artistic appreciation. Banksy's authenticated works are now worth millions of dollars, with some pieces selling at auction for over $20 million. This astronomical value has led to jokes among Windsor residents that the wall should be heavily guarded to prevent theft or vandalism.
Banksy remains one of the art world's greatest mysteries. The enigmatic artist, who has been creating politically charged, provocative, and poetic graffiti worldwide since the 1990s, continues to maintain complete anonymity. "I have no interest in ever revealing myself," he once said in an interview with an art magazine, underlining his commitment to remaining a phantom figure in the art world.
Experts believe the artist was born in the early 1970s near Bristol, England, where he began his career as a graffiti artist at around age 14. His trademark style includes precise stencil techniques, razor-sharp wit, and absolute anonymity – elements that have made him a global phenomenon while keeping his true identity completely hidden.
As of now, Banksy has not commented on or claimed responsibility for the Windsor piece through his usual channels. However, the artwork's style, subject matter, and execution have all the hallmarks of his work, keeping speculation alive throughout the town and beyond. The timing and location of the piece, appearing in Windsor – a town closely associated with the British royal family – adds another layer of intrigue to the mysterious artwork.
Whether or not this proves to be an authentic Banksy work, the mural has already achieved what the artist's pieces typically do: generate conversation, draw crowds, and make people question authority and tradition through art. Windsor residents and art enthusiasts worldwide continue to watch and wait, hoping that the world's most secretive artist has indeed struck again in the royal town.
