LOVE AND MARRIAGE: Buckingham Palace today released a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, to mark the monarch’s 90th birthday. She reached the milestone in April, although this weekend will see a host of celebrations in London.
The portrait was shot by Annie Leibovitz at Windsor Castle. The palace released the image on Twitter with a quote from the sovereign about her husband. “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.” Prince Philip turns 95 today.
The palace released three photographs last April, all shot by Leibovitz, showing the Queen with the youngest members of the royal family, Princess Anne and her four dogs.
RELATED STORY: Annie Leibovitz Shoots Portraits of Queen Elizabeth, Youngest Royals >>
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch will be feted with a series of events including a service of thanksgiving today at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the annual Trooping the Colour official birthday parade on Saturday, and a picnic for hundreds on The Mall on Sunday. The picnic is a ticketed event, with attendees coming mainly from the U.K. charities the Queen supports.
RELATED STORY: The Big 9-0: Britain Says Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth >>