Buckingham Palace has released a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the eve of the celebrations to mark her platinum jubilee.
The 96-year-old said she was inspired by the outpouring of goodwill before the celebrations to commemorate her 70th birthday on the British throne.
Its jubilee will be marked by four days of events, parties and parades, starting on Thursday (UK time).
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing together communities, family, neighbors and friends to commemorate my platinum jubilee, in the UK and across the Commonwealth. I know many happy memories will be created this holiday season.” he said. .
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and I hope that the next few days will be an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past 70 years, as we look to the future with confidence and excitement. “.
The new portrait, by photographer Ranald Mackechnie, shows the monarch smiling in front of a window in the private apartments of his house in Windsor Castle, west London, where he now spends most of his time.
Recent health issues, including the recruitment of COVID-19 in February and ongoing back problems, have seen the Queen appear less frequently in public this year, missing important events such as reading the Queen’s speech in person. , instead of replacing his eldest son and heir, Prince Charles. .
Damian Lewis among those honored by Queen
More than 1,000 people were honored on the Queen’s Jubilee Honor Roll, which was published before the celebrations.
Actor Damian Lewis, known for his work on Homeland and Band of Brothers, was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to both drama and charity.
Along with his late wife, Helen McCrory, who starred in Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, Lewis began a campaign to raise £ 1 million to provide food to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Damien Lewis and his late wife, Helen McCrory, raised more than a million pounds for health care workers. (Reuters: Paul Hackett)
Elisabeth Murdoch, daughter of media baron Rupert Murdoch and founder of two successful independent television producers, received a CBE for her work with Arts Council England.
The oldest recipient of the list was Angela Redgrave, 104, founder and principal of the Bristol School of Dancing.
Reuters / ABC