'Smiling queen' portrait

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is seen in this portrait taken in March by British photographer David Bailey, and released by Buckingham Palace in London April 20, 2014. The portrait has been released to mark the Queen's 88th birthday on April 21, 2014. REUTERS/David Bailey/Handout via Reuters

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, taken by David Bailey, was released to mark her 88th birthday on Monday, with the renowned photographer delighting in the "mischievous glint" in her eyes.

The black-and-white photograph of the smiling monarch was taken in March at Buckingham Palace, her official residence in London.

"I've always been a huge fan of the queen," Bailey said.

"She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I've always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman."

The monarch is pictured wearing pearls and a dress by Angela Kelly, her personal assistant and senior dresser of 12 years.

Bailey, 76, has photographed a wide range of people over the decades, including actors, writers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, models, artists and people encountered on his travels.

The picture was commissioned as part of a British government marketing campaign dubbed "GREAT", aimed at encouraging people around the world to visit, study in and do business with Britain.

A Buckingham Palace source said Queen Elizabeth agreed to sit for the portrait in recognition of the campaign's work.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said the portrait was taken to "showcase everything that is great about the UK to an international audience".

AFP