Queen Elizabeth II continues to go from strength to strength.
After clocking her 90th last year, and breaking the record for the longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth has reached another important milestone nice and early in 2017.
The beloved mother-of-four is the first royal to ring in 65 years, also know as the sapphire anniversary, on the throne.
While Queen Elizabeth II may have opted to spend the day in private, sans any fanfare, the day is one that is bittersweet.
February 6th also marks her father’s 65th death anniversary.
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The stunning portrait celebrates Queen Elizabeth.
Her Majesty with photographer David Bailey back in 2010.
Buckingham Palace still made an occasion of the momentous day, by re-releasing a beautiful portrait taken by British photographer David Bailey.
The snap was originally captured in 2014, promoting Britain to the world for the GREAT campaign.
At the time, the then 88-year-old was dressed in a pretty sky-blue beaded gown, and adorned in sapphire-jeweled earrings and a matching necklace, which was given to her by her father King George VI in 1947 to celebrate her wedding.
Speaking of the honour of taking Queen Elizabeth II’s royal portrait, David mused, “She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint.”
“I’ve always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman.”
Although Queen Elizabeth II won’t be marking the milestone in any official capacity, Britain will be celebrating the anniversary by issuing a new five-pound coin.
The coin will read one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most beloved quotes that she spoke nearly 70 years ago, at the age of 21.
“My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” the inscription reads.
Her low-key acknowledgement of the milestone is thought to be a reaction to the celebration falling upon the anniversary of her father’s passing. Of course, a 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth became the Queen of England in 1952 after her beloved-father King George VI died from a coronary thrombosis in his sleep at the age of 56.
The Princess was notified of the tragic happening while on a royal tour thousands of miles away in Kenya with her husband, the events of which have been made famous by Netflix drama The Crown.
