The Queen's 90th birthday: Tender portrait released as weekend of celebrations begins

Portrait: The never-before-seen picture is the last in a series by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz
Sebastian Mann10 June 2016

A tender new portrait of the Queen and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh has been released as a weekend of celebrations for her birthday begins.

The monarch and Prince Philip smile warmly in matching pale pink outfits as they pose side by side for the camera in the never-before-seen shot.

The picture is released on the day the Duke celebrates his 95th birthday, and a day ahead of the Queen's official 90th birthday.

It is the sixth and final picture in a series of portraits taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz to mark the Queen's birthday milestone.

The Queen's 90th birthday: Where to celebrate Her Majesty's big day

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Others included the Queen in separate images with her beloved corgis and the royal children.

In the latest image the Queen wears a pale pink cardigan with gold buttons over a pink and white striped blouse, while the Duke wears a pink shirt under a light brown jacket with a matching pink pocket square.

It was taken at Windsor Castle after Easter.

Speaking previously about the images, Ms Leibovitz said the photoshoots were all inspired by the Queen's own ideas.

The renowned photographer said: "She wanted to be photographed with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; her daughter, Anne, the Princess Royal; and her corgis."

Events are taking place all weekend to mark the historic birthday of Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

On Friday the Windsors are set to attend a televised service at St Paul’s Cathedral in the Queen’s honour.

The following day begins with the traditional Trooping the Colour parade, which be followed by the annual RAF flypast, where royal fans will be keeping an eye out to see whether Princess Charlotte makes her first appearance on the balcony.

Sunday sees official celebrations end with a giant street party on the Mall to which some 10,000 people have been invited.

Attendees mostly include representatives from the Queen’s patronages but large screens showing festivities are to be erected in Green Park and St James’s Park for those without tickets who want to soak up the atmosphere.

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