They were taken to mark a truly historic moment and became a record of a truly historic time. A series of portraits of Queen Elizabeth II were released through the early months of 2022 to mark Her Late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. As the year ended, they became a fitting memorial to the longest reigning Monarch in British history.
Awaiting the Jubilee, February 2022
Ahead of the 70th anniversary of her accession, Elizabeth II looked through some of the thousands of cards and gifts sent to her to mark this special moment in history. As she enjoyed the letters and homemade trinkets, she was photographed by Steve Parsons.
The sheer joy that Her Late Majesty took in the congratulations sent to her was evident in what would be the first of a series of Jubilee portraits throughout 2022.
Accession Day, February 6th 2022
On February 6th 2022, Queen Elizabeth II became the only British Monarch to rule for seventy years. It was a truly historic moment. Her Late Majesty issued a statement in which she renewed her commitment to duty, signing it ”Your Servant, Elizabeth R.”
The portrait taken by Chris Jackson to mark this unique event was all about business as usual. Elizabeth II was seen with her red boxes, carrying out her constitutional duties. At her side was a photo of her beloved father, King George VI, who had died seven decades earlier but whose influence on her historic reign she was keen to underline at this special time.
The Eve of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, June 2022
As millions around Britain and the Commonwealth prepared for a royal party like no other, an official Platinum Jubilee portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was released. The photo, by Ranald Mackechnie, was the very image of majesty.
Elizabeth II is seen at Windsor with the Round Tower in the background. The tower was begun in the reign of William the Conqueror and for almost 1,000 years it has been synonymous with royal power. Now, as the Monarch already called the greatest by some, achieved a record that may never be matched, it sat behind her. Elizabeth II reigned supreme.
The heart of the Platinum Party, June 4th 2022
It might not have been on the official portrait list but one image of Elizabeth II at her Platinum Jubilee was so powerful and so popular that it joined the most iconic of her long reign. On June 4th 2022, The Queen got her Platinum Party started by taking tea with Paddington. It won hearts around the world.
The sight of Elizabeth II and the little bear from Peru swapping marmalade sandwich anecdotes and sharing smiles sealed the two together forever. And Paddington spoke for many when he told his host ”thank you – for everything”.
The Platinum Queen, September 2022
The final Platinum portrait came in another time. It was just three months after those epic celebrations and yet, a world away. Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8th 2022. Days later, Buckingham Palace shared another portrait taken at the time of the Jubilee, in memoriam.
It was another study by Ranald Mackechnie but this time history made way for happiness. Throughout her long reign and even longer life of public service, Elizabeth II was known for her smile. It was always bright, it was always radiant, it was always there, rather like the Monarch herself. And in this last Jubilee portrait, it is as happy as ever. It became a fitting tribute to Elizabeth II, the record breaking Queen who was as loved for her service and compassion as for the Majesty she embodied.
