A new photo of Queen Elizabeth II of England has been released as she marks her Sapphire Jubilee today and becomes the first British monarch in history to have reigned for 65 years.
To mark her latest milestone, a poignant photograph of her wearing a suite of sapphire jewellery given to her by her father King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947 has been issued.
Sapphire is the 65th anniversary gemstone and the King’s gift to his eldest daughter, then Princess Elizabeth, featured a glittering necklace, dating from 1850 and made of 16 large oblong sapphires surrounded by diamonds, with a pair of matching sapphire and diamond drop earrings.
The Queen has added a sapphire and diamond tiara – made from a necklace that originally belonged to Princess Louise of Belgium – and a bracelet in 1963 to the collection to compliment the original sentimental pieces.
She had the necklace shortened and the largest stone made into a pendant.
The Queen always spends her Accession Day quietly at Sandringham House, and today will be no exception.
There are no grand festivities planned for the Sapphire Jubilee. But the Royal Mail today issues a Sapphire Blue £5 stamp to commemorate it, and the Royal Mint marks the occasion with a range of specially designed Sapphire Jubilee commemorative coins.
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Queen of Queens…