Queen Elizabeth joined the special online unveiling of her new portrait at Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Her Majesty was visibly beaming with happiness as she got a first glimpse of the work of art by portrait artist Miriam Escofet.
During the virtual ceremony, Queen Elizabeth remarked that she hopes to see the portrait in real life one day. The unveiling took place on Friday, but Buckingham Palace released the video on Sunday via their social media accounts.
The FCO commissioned Escofet to paint the monarch's portrait to mark her long reign and lifetime of diplomatic service. Simon McDonald said that it's only fitting to have Queen Elizabeth's updated portrait as she remains the best diplomat for the British people.
Escofet's artwork features the Queen wearing a simple but elegant blue dress. She's sitting in a golden armchair next to a golden table. The artist reportedly told Queen Elizabeth that she included some hidden symbols in the painting, such as the insignia of the FCO in the teacup.
The artist shared that Queen Elizabeth made a joke about the painting because the teacup apparently didn't have anything in it. Nonetheless, Escofet said that Her Majesty reacted positively to her work.
Painting Queen Elizabeth's portrait took several months. They met on two occasions and their last meeting was in February, before the coronavirus lockdown. Escofet sent Buckingham Palace initial sketches of the portrait but didn't give the Queen a copy of her masterpiece to surprise her come unveiling day.
Escofet said that Queen Elizabeth humored her while she sat for the artist. She wasn't cracking jokes but she was sharp, full of wisdom, and had a luminous energy about her. Escofet said she hoped she was able to capture this likeness in her work of art.
The FCO picked Escofet to do the Queen's portrait based on recommendations from the National Portrait Gallery. McDonald expressed that his office was definitely pleased for the terrific image of the monarch.
During the unveiling, Queen Elizabeth also spoke with some of the FCO staff virtually, who exclaimed that it was their dream come true to talk with the Queen. The FCO is also helping the government in developing a vaccine against COVID-19 and they have been supporting vulnerable countries with supplies for personal protective equipment.
Queen Elizabeth said she is grateful for the technology that allowed her to witness the portrait's unveiling and to meet the FCO staff, as she is still in isolation at Windsor Castle. She also commended the portrait artist and the staff at the FCO for their "most incredible work."
