A new portrait of the Queen, decades in the making

Embed from Getty Images

We have had several new images of the Queen this year as she marks her 90th birthday and now we have a new portrait, commissioned to celebrate another anniversary. The Queen has been patron of the British Red Cross for over six decades and the new painting celebrates her links to the association.

Embed from Getty Images

It's the first time that the Queen has been represented in portrait as the patron of the British Red Cross and the painting was revealed to the world on October 14th at Windsor Castle where she had sat for the artwork.

Embed from Getty Images

It depicts the Queen in garter robes and wearing a diamond tiara, bracelet and earrings which first belonged to her great grandmother, Queen Alexandra, who signed the petition for the granting of the British Red Cross Royal Charter before it was given to her husband, Edward VII.

 

Embed from Getty Images

At the unveiling, the Queen talked with artist, Henry Ward, who is originally from Essex and who said he had been influenced by former royal portrait creators including Joshua Reynolds. The Queen became patron of the British Red Cross soon after her accession to the throne.