Today marks the beginning of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in honor of her 70 years on the throne.
On day one of the festivities, we saw her great-grandchildren steal the show at their first Trooping the Colour parade, Princess Charlotte go into big sister mode and the full fam (minus Harry and Meghan) assemble for a balcony pic.
But before any of the celebrations kicked off, the royal family gave fans a special gift in the form of a brand-new portrait of Her Majesty.
The new image was posted to the royal Instagram account and showed the queen posing at Windsor Castle with the castle’s Round Tower in the background.
Along with the portrait, Queen Elizabeth included a personal message to fans and well-wishers. She wrote, “Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.”
She continued, “I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
And Her Majesty signed the message, “Elizabeth R.”
A gorgeous portrait to kick off what is sure to be a gorgeous celebration of her 70 years on the throne.
