Long Live the Queen!

Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her 88th birthday today.

Yesterday (Sunday) the official portrait of Her Majesty, taken by world-renowned photographer David Bailey CBE, was released to mark the occasion.

The black and white photo is of a smiling Queen Elizabeth, who is wearing a dress by Angela Kelly, who has served as the Queen’s personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002.

The monarch accessorises with a pearl necklace, earrings and a brooch.

The moment was captured by Bailey, 76, who has been photographing celebrities and royals for more than 50 years. 

The celebrated photographer, who has worked with stars including The Beatles, Kate Moss and Sir Mick Jagger, said he has always been a ‘huge fan’ of the Queen.

Bailey said: “She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I’ve always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman.”

The Queen agreed to sit for the portrait at Buckingham Palace in March in recognition of the work of the GREAT campaign, a project that aims to promote Britain.  

UK Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The Government’s GREAT campaign is promoting Britain as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.

“The portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by renowned photographer David Bailey CBE, celebrates her 88th birthday and supports the aims of the campaign, to showcase everything that is great about the UK to an international audience.”

The GREAT campaign, launched by the Prime Minister in September 2011, is a global initiative which seeks to generate jobs and growth by highlighting the UK as a world-class destination.

It is hoped that the portrait and the GREAT campaign will encourage more overseas visitors to experience the UK’s rich royal heritage, which contributes significantly to the country’s tourism income.