Duchess of Edinburgh beams in new photo released to mark her 60th birthday
A new official photograph of The Duchess of Edinburgh has been released ahead of her 60th birthday celebrations on Monday.
The portrait was captured at Bagshot Park earlier this month by acclaimed photographer Christina Ebenezer.
London-based Ebenezer, known for her distinctive style combining rich colour and texture, was specifically chosen for the milestone birthday portrait.
The Nigerian-born photographer draws inspiration from classic portraiture and cinema, with her work characterised by sensitive composition and mood derived from cinematographic influences.
Her Royal Highness was particularly drawn to Ebenezer’s creative style of photography, selecting her as part of an effort to support rising female photographers.
As she approaches her milestone birthday, the Duchess has expressed a renewed dedication to her work promoting gender equality.
The portrait marks the beginning of what Her Royal Highness describes as an enhanced focus on championing equality issues in the coming years.
Christina Ebenezer has earned significant recognition in the photography industry, being named a British Fashion Council New Wave Creative and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Arts & Culture Leader.
Her work was showcased at London’s Saatchi Gallery in 2022 as part of ‘The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion’ exhibition.
Most recently, two of Ebenezer’s portraits were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with Chanel in January 2024.
Her practice focuses on presenting subjects in their truest essence, utilising soft, subdued light to highlight the diverse range of individual beauty.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ebenezer developed her artistic vision in London, where she found inspiration in film, music videos and family portraiture.
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Earlier this week, Sophie was presented with a special birthday cake during her royal engagement at the Community Shop.
Lady Louise is set to celebrate her mother’s milestone birthday before heading back to Scotland.
Lady Louise Windsor, currently in her third year studying English at St Andrews University, will be able to attend her mother’s birthday celebrations.
The timing works perfectly as the spring semester at the Scottish university doesn’t begin until January 27, a week after the Duchess’s birthday.