The official Platinum Jubilee portrait of The Queen has been revealed on the eve of her historic celebrations.
The photograph shows Her Majesty at Windsor Castle. She is portrayed at the heart of the ancient royal residence as millions prepare to fete the 70th anniversary of her reign, the only time a British Monarch has marked that milestone.
The portrait of The Queen was taken by Ranald Mackechnie.
Elizabeth II is seen in the Victoria Vestibule which is part of the private apartments at the Castle.
For her Jubilee portrait, Her Majesty chose a dusky dove blue coat and dress by Angela Kelly embellished with pearl and diamante.
As with previous Jubilee portraits, there is plenty of symbolism within this new image. Behind The Queen is the Round Tower, one of the earliest parts of the Castle to be built, a nod to the long line of Monarchs which have gone before. Also visible in the background is the equestrian statue of Charles II. The king was the last of that name, so far, to rule and also restored the Monarchy after the English Civil War and Interregnum.
The Queen also released a short message ahead of her Jubilee celebrations in which she thanked all those organising events to mark her anniversary, adding ‘‘I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations run from June 2 until June 5 2022.
