Queen smiles as she celebrates historic 70 year reign in Platinum Jubilee portrait

ok.co.uk:

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been released in order to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The specially commissioned portrait sees Her Majesty, 96, smiling in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle, with the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II, which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle, both visible in the background.

The photograph, which was taken on 25 May, celebrates the beginning of the Queen's historic Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with festivities across the UK set to begin on Thursday 2 June.

She also issued a sweet message along with the portrait, thanking those who are planning to celebrate her 70 year reign and wishing them well.

Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter Her Majesty's message reads: "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.