Queen's birthday portrait

Apr 3, 2006, 16:55 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looked a picture of health as she posed for a photograph to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Photographer Jane Bown, 80, was given only half an hour to take the black and white picture at Buckingham Palace in February.

But despite the time pressure and having to battle with the light, Mrs Bown successfully captured the queen with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

She is quoted in Britain's Daily Mail newspaper as saying: 'I don't really like plain sailing. When it's a bit agitated, there's more hope of something different coming out.'

The image is one of a series of photos to charter the life of the monarch and celebrate her birthday on April 21.

Sophie Gordon, Royal Photographic Collection curator, said: 'It shows the Queen looking relaxed but at the same time quite energised. You get the feeling it captures a real moment in time. Her majesty does not look 80.'

She continued: 'There seems to be something going on, perhaps a thought passing through her mind.'

The portrait will feature in an exhibition at Windsor, which goes on display today (03.04.06).

It will also include the first ever picture of the queen at five-years-old.

Many pictures have been taken by the royals themselves over the years and the collection includes one of Elizabeth as a toddler taken by her father, King George VI.

The queen also posed for additional photos at the weekend (01.02.06) with her horses and stable girls at Windsor Castle.

Her official 80th birthday portrait by Lord Snowdon will be added to the exhibition on April 24.

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International