Queen celebrates 88th birthday as David Bailey photograph is released

 
Smiling monarch: the image released to mark the Queen's 88th birthday
Standard Reporter21 April 2014

A black and white portrait of the Queen has been released by David Bailey to celebrate her 88th birthday today.

The photograph was taken at Buckingham Palace in March and commissioned on behalf of the Government's GREAT Britain campaign.

The image of Queen Elizabeth II smiling will be used in activity to support the campaign, which aims to highlight Britain as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.

In the image the monarch is dressed in pearls and a dress by Angela Kelly, her personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002.

A Buckingham Palace source said: "Bailey's name was suggested by Number 10 and the GREAT campaign and the Queen agreed. The Queen agreed to sit for it in recognition of the work of the GREAT campaign."

Bailey said: "I've always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I've always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman."

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "The Government's GREAT campaign is promoting Britain as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.

"The portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by renowned photographer David Bailey CBE, celebrates her 88th birthday and supports the aims of the campaign, to showcase everything that is great about the UK to an international audience."

It is hoped that the image will encourage overseas visitors to experience Britain's royal heritage. Britain's monarchy, including royal heritage and property, is one of the biggest drivers of tourism into the UK, generating an estimated £500 million per year from overseas tourism spend.

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The Royal Family has given strong support to the campaign over the last two years and this photograph continues that support.

Bailey, 76, has photographed an extraordinary range of subjects over more than half a century - actors, writers, musicians, film makers, designers, models, artists and people encountered on his travels.

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