A beautiful new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been released ahead of her highly anticipated Platinum Jubilee.
The milestone snapshot, which debuted Wednesday on the Royal Family’s Twitter page, was taken by Ranald Mackechnie in Windsor Castle’s Victoria Vestibule last week.
“Her Majesty The Queen, the first Monarch in British history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee,” it was captioned.
“To mark the beginning of the #PlatinumJubilee Celebration Weekend, a new portrait of The Queen has been released.”
The 96-year-old British monarch ditched the crowns and tiaras for the photo shoot, opting instead for an undecorated head of perfectly poofed snow-white hair.
The Queen kept her ensemble regal and respectful, sporting a pale blue coat dress appliquéd along the seam, which she paired with her go-to pearl necklace and earrings, and a simple gold watch on her wrist.
Sitting at an angle with her ankles crossed and hands folded on her lap, her diamond engagement ring from her late husband, Prince Philip, was front and center.
Though the background was artistically blurred to highlight the royal subject of the image, the Castle’s Round Tower and the statue of King Charles II could be seen peeking through the window behind her.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration, which is set to kick off Thursday morning, marks the Queen’s 70th year on the throne – the longest reign in UK history.
In addition to the new portrait, Her Majesty also released a statement ahead of the festivities.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions,” the statement read.
“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
As Page Six exclusively reported, the Queen is expected to meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s youngest child, 11-month-old daughter Lilibet, during the celebrations.
Flying commercially from Los Angeles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down at a London airport on Wednesday afternoon with their baby girl and 3-year-old son, Archie.