The Queen's moving message as new portrait released to mark Platinum Jubilee

The Queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne with a beautiful new portrait.

The specially commissioned photo was released to mark the beginning of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which begin with the Trooping the Colour Parade on Thursday.

Taken by Ranald Mackechnie, the portrait was snapped in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle on May 25. The castle's Round Tower and the statue of King Charles II in the Quadrangle can be seen in the background.

Unlike her past three Jubilee portraits, in this photograph, the Queen has gone for an understated look in a powder blue coat dress and her go-to string of pearls, with the engagement ring given to her by her late husband Prince Philip clearly visible on her finger.

She wore the Imperial State Crown for her Silver Jubilee portrait, and tiaras, her royal sash and medals in her Golden and Diamond Jubilee portraits. But in this one, the grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 12 has opted for a more relaxed look.

Photo / Getty

The Queen released a personal message ahead of the celebrations.

"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. I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions," she said.

"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," she concluded, signing off the message Elizabeth R.

The Queen has posed for some of the world's most famous photographers, from Cecil Beaton to Annie Leibovitz.

Photo / Getty

This article was first published by the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.