Royal Family releases new Queen portrait for her 96th birthday
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On Thursday, April 21, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 96th birthday, in the same year that marks 70 years since her ascension to the throne – making her both the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-serving female head of state in history.
And in honour of the significant day, Buckingham Palace officially released a celebratory portrait of the monarch holding two beautiful white ponies with a breathtaking backdrop of her Windsor estate.
Buckingham Palace has released a new photo to mark the Queen’s 96th birthday. Credit: Henry Dallal via Twitter @RoyalFamily.
Taken by renowned landscape photographer Henry Dallal, the photograph shows the Queen standing in between two of her fell ponies, Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale, on the majestic grounds of Windsor Castle.
She can be seen wearing a deep moss green coat, in a shade which is dubbed "Edinburgh green" – a subtle nod to her late husband Prince Philip who passed away last year at 99 years old.
This marks the Queen's second birthday without her husband.
According to Buckingham Palace, the monarch spent her birthday quietly at Sandringham, her Norfolk estate, which most likely included a visit to the Royal Stud.
The Queen's love for animals, especially horses, was passed on to her daughter, Princess Anne, and granddaughter, Zara Tindall, both of whom pursued professional equestrian careers.
Princess Elizabeth was pictured riding her pony in Windsor Great Park in the 1930s. Credit: Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images.
It was such an amazing feat that even Duchess Camilla was reportedly surprised to personally witness her mother-in law’s stamina. "There is no one who could be riding a horse at the age of 90," she said, adding that it was something she found incredible about Her Majesty.
If you want to see and learn more about the Royal Family's profound love for horses, watch this video below:
Credit: The Royal Family Channel.
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