A birthday portrait

When you've been a monarch for over sixty years, you know how to steal the headlines.  Prince George may have looked cute and curious on his first visit to the zoo in Sydney on Easter Sunday but the future king has lost out on royal photo of the day to the Queen.  Elizabeth II has posed for a new picture, taken by David Bailey, to mark her 88th birthday on April 21st 2014.  And not a bilby in sight.

Elizabeth II in a special portrait taken to mark her 88th birthday

And no wonder she's smiling.  Elizabeth of York, born on April 21st 1926, was never expected to rule and became heiress to the throne at one of the British monarchy's most difficult moments.  She saw her father, George VI, strengthen the crown while her own reign has seen tempestuous times but is now an unparalleled success.  And she has three generations of kings in waiting behind her.  It will be a very happy birthday.