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Stunning Portrait of Elizabeth II Re-Released on Her Sapphire Anniversary — See the Pic!

Elizabeth II is celebrating her Sapphire Anniversary today — and what better way to honor the milestone than with a stunning portrait!

Feb. 6 marks 65 years the Queen has been on the throne. Buckingham Palace honored the special anniversary — she’s the first one to have ever done this! — by re-sharing a headshot of the 90-year-old royal on Instagram.

“Today marks The Queen’s #SapphireJubilee. It has been 65 years since Her Majesty acceded to the throne,” the photo’s caption read.

“On 6 February 1952, King George VI sadly died following a prolonged illness. Princess Elizabeth immediately acceded to the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II and taking on all of the responsibilities which came with her new title,” the caption continued. “In the photograph, The Queen is wearing a suite of sapphire jewelry given to her by King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947.”

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As previously reported, Elizabeth will be “quietly” celebrating this huge milestone today.

Though there are no official events planned, the Queen will allegedly do behind-the-scenes work like reading historical documents. A commemorative set of coins will also be made.

queen elizabeth getty images

Elizabeth II giving nod to the anniversary in a sapphire outfit.

Royal insiders weighed in on her low-key celebration. “She’s naturally shy and is the opposite of showy,” says royal historian Robert Lacey. “And, of course, the anniversaries of the accession remind her of her father’s premature death.”

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“There is only so many of these landmark dates that people will want to mark,” he added. “I’m sure she would rather people were asking why isn’t it being celebrated rather than, ‘Oh no, not another royal anniversary.’ She always plays safe — and that is a good instinct.”

He concluded, “The Queen is always wary of the commercial aspects, and doesn’t want to appear ‘on the make’ — though she doesn’t mind if charities use anniversaries to raise money. She’s got a well-developed sense of not wanting to exploit these royal anniversaries.” Congrats to Elizabeth II on this huge accomplishment!

Click through the gallery below to learn interesting facts about the British royal family!