The Royal Family Poses For A Shoot As The Queen Of England Marks Her 90th Birthday

The Queen pictured at Princess Charlotte's christening along with Prince William, Prince George, and the Duchess of Cambridge, holding the little princess. Standing, from left: Michael Middleton, Pippa Middleton, James Middleton, Carole Middleton, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke of Edinburgh

The group portrait is one of three released today, the other two being of the Queen and her beloved dogs, and a rare and surprisingly warm shot of the Queen with her daughter Princess Anne.

‘There was a very definite idea behind the set,’ said a royal aide. ‘The Queen wanted a portrait of the youngest members of the family, the other end of the generational spectrum. You have the two youngest grandchildren, who are quite a lot younger than the others, and the great-grandchildren.

‘It was a happy, nice, relaxed afternoon. There was a lovely feeling to it. All the parents were helping to get the shot right – a classic composition, rather like an Old Master but with a modern twist.’

Happy Birthday Queen