New ‘uplifting’ portrait of the Queen shows ‘twinkle’ in her eye

Virgin Radio

5 May 2022, 07:16

A new portrait of the Queen has been released, and it shows her in a “fleeting moment of relaxation.”

The photograph shows Her Majesty with a “quizzical expression” on her face, having just laughed at a comment made by her senior dresser, Angela Kelly, as she rearranged clothing during the shoot at Buckingham Palace.

The picture was taken by photographer Rob Munday all the way back in 2004, but has only just been released. It was shot as part of a photo session to make the first officially commissioned 3D hologram of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The photo then sat in the photographer's archives for nearly two decades, before the photographer discovered it again last year during lockdown. 

The image, titled Platinum Queen: Felicity, has been unveiled for the Jubilee, as Her Royal Highness celebrates 70 years on the throne.

As reported by The Sun, Mr Munday said: “The Queen’s daily life is so full of responsibility and duty that it was wonderful to see this fleeting moment of relaxation and pleasure.

“It is an uplifting portrait, so different from many of the more sombre ones commissioned in recent years.”

The picture has been described as showing “the twinkle in the Queen’s eye” and an “almost quizzical expression”, as well as demonstrating “the deep bond and trust” between her and Ms Kelly.

The holographic portrait, by Munday and artist Chris Levine - which came from the 2004 photoshoot - is called Equanimity, and was commissioned by the Jersey Heritage Trust. It was created to mark 800 years of allegiance to the Crown by the Island of Jersey, and was presented to the National Portrait Gallery in London by the people of Jersey in 2011. 

It has appeared on a holographic £10 Jersey stamp and the £100 Jersey banknote.

In order to create the three-dimensional portrait, over 10,000 images were made - including the newly released Platinum Queen: Felicity - over two sittings.

Meanwhile, senior dresser and close confidante Angela Kelly - who elicited the quizzical reaction from the monarch - has written a book about her service, with the Queen’s blessing.