LONDON, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS: Today the Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 88th birthday. To mark her 88th birthday, a portrait by British photographer David Bailey has been released, reports Armenpress. The Queen long ago perfected the art of smiling dutifully for the camera. Now the portrait by David Bailey, released by Buckingham Palace for the monarch’s 88th birthday on Monday, shows her looking relaxed and happy, in a refreshing departure from her formal responsibilities. The pair are said to have got on famously during the photoshoot, which took place at the palace in March. Bailey, 76, said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I’ve always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman.”

The Queen is wearing pearls and a dress by Angela Kelly, who has served as her personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002. Her brooch, a large pearl button surrounded by diamonds with a pearl pendant, was passed down to her from her great-great-grandmother, a 19th-century Duchess of Cambridge.