It's The Queen's 90th birthday today and to mark the historic occasion, three photographs of Her Majesty have been released.
Taken by famed American photographer Annie Leibovitz last month in Windsor Castle, the three photographs feature one with The Queen surrounded by her great-grandchildren and two of her grandchildren; one of her on the steps of Windsor with her beloved corgis; and a touching picture of her with her daughter, Princess Anne.
Adorably, in the first photograph, The Queen is captured holding Princess Charlotte, alongside James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise (to the left), Mia Tindell – who, unpromted, picked up and held up The Queen's £1,000 Launer handbag – Savannah Phillips (to the right of The Queen), Prince George and Isla Phillips. The photograph was taken in the Green Drawing Room in the weeks following Easter.
Photographer Annie Leibovitz is perhaps best-known for her snaps of Hollywood stars; she photographed The Rolling Stones on tour in 1975, took 'that' shot of Demi Moore pregnant and naked, and last year, captured the very first picture of Kaitlyn Jenner for the front cover of Vanity Fair.
The Royal photographs were released today, 21st April – The Queen's actual birthday and a day of national celebration for the whole country, for not only is she the longest reigning monarch (as of 9th September last year) but the first reigning monarch in British history to reach 90 years old.
As was reported, she spent last night with her godson, George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, which most people will recognise by its 'other' name, Downton Abbey.
And this evening, Prince Charles will host a large party for The Queen at Windsor; with 71 people it is anticipated to be a grand and celebratory affair, most worthy of such a milestone.
And who could deserve it more? Very happy birthday to Her Majesty, The Queen.
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