The photo, which was shared on the Twitter account of the British royal family on Wednesday evening, was taken last week in the so-called Victoria Vestibule of Windsor Castle. It was photographer Ranald Mackechnie who was allowed to photograph the Queen for her 70th anniversary. “Her Majesty The Queen is the first monarch in British history to celebrate a platinum anniversary,” the caption reads. “To mark the start of the anniversary, a new portrait of the Queen has been released.”
Queen Elizabeth is not wearing a tiara or crown in the photo. The ensemble she wears is also fairly simple: a pastel blue dress in combination with a pearl necklace and a gold watch. She still wears the diamond engagement ring on her ring finger that she received from her late husband Prince Philip. To ensure that all attention is focused on the British Queen, the background was skilfully blurred. Although the so-called Round Tower and a statue of King Charles II are still visible in the background.
(Read more below the tweet.)
In addition to a new portrait, a statement from Queen Elizabeth was also released. “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in gathering associations, families, neighbors and friends to mark my platinum anniversary. I know that many happy memories will be created during this festive occasion,” the statement read. “The goodwill that has been shown to me continues to inspire me. I hope the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that we have achieved over the past seventy years. In addition, I look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”