The portrait of Queen Elizabeth by the photographer David Bailey was released on Monday, to mark her 88th birthday.
The photo of Queen Elizabeth, smiling, was taken at Buckingham Palace in March, and it will be used as part of Great Britain’s campaign to create jobs in the fields of trade, tourism, investment and education.
Elizabeth is wearing pearls and a dress by Angela Kelly, who has served the Queen as a personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002.
A Buckingham Palace source said to The Guardian that “the name of the photographer was suggested to the Queen by her circle and she agreed”.
76-year old Bailey said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I’ve always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman”.
It is hoped that the portrait will inspire and encourage visitors from around the world to travel to Britain and “experience” the royal tradition of the United Kingdom.
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