hellomagazine.com

PORTRAIT MARKING QUEEN'S 80TH UNVEILED

SEND TO A FRIEND

19 APRIL 2006

A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled to mark the monarch’s milestone birthday. Portrayed in a pink outfit she wore for Royal Ascot and holding a racing programme, the Queen is shown preparing to enjoy her favourite sport.

Artist Jemma Phipps, who was commissioned to do the portrait, admits she found it difficult concentrating on the job in hand. "It was quite hard to get my head around the fact that I was chatting to the Queen and she was making me laugh," says the 28-year-old painter.

Gemma found her royal subject far from intimidating, though, despite the fact that the first sitting was conducted in Buckingham Palace’s opulent music room. "She was quite laid back yet sharp, with a great sense of humour," she recalled.

The unveiling of the new painting - which is on display at London's Mall Galleries from April 25 through May - coincides with the revelation the Queen has no plans to quit the throne. In an interview with the BBC, the monarch's cousin, the Honourable Margaret Rhodes, said she is "perfectly sure" the Queen will never retire or abdicate, as had been speculated.

Remarking on the Queen's duty and the vows she made at the coronation, Margaret added, "It’s not like a normal job, it’s a job for life, she wouldn't consider not continuing to fulfil those vows until she dies."