Stolen Churchill Portrait Returned to Ottawa Hotel

The iconic 'Roaring Lion' portrait of Winston Churchill, taken by Yousuf Karsh in 1941, has been returned to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa after being stolen and replaced with a forgery between Christmas 2021 and January 2022. The theft went unnoticed for months until a hotel worker discovered the discrepancy in August 2022. Following a police investigation that included retrieving the artwork from Rome, a man has been charged with forgery, theft, and trafficking. At the unveiling ceremony, the hotel's general manager, Genevieve Dumas, assured the public that the portrait is now securely displayed with enhanced security measures. The portrait holds historical significance as it was a gift from Karsh, who spent many years at the hotel, and it symbolizes resilience and the triumph of good over evil. The return of this cultural treasure was celebrated by dignitaries, including Ottawa's mayor, highlighting its importance to Canadian heritage.