The new portrait of the Queen unveiled in Scotland – the artist recognizes that it is NERVE WRACKING | Royal | New

The oil painting of the artist Nicky Philipps represents Her Majesty, aged 92, wearing the ceremonial dress and necklace of the order of the thistle. She stands proudly in front of a sullen foundation of Salisbury Crags, in shades of green and white, with pearl earrings, but does not wear her crown. Royal fans and visitors to Holyroodhouse will be able to see the portrait in the royal dining room, which is still used today by the Queen to entertain guests. The work hangs next to a painting of the Queen Mother, painted by Sir William Oliphant Hutchison in 1967, and sees it also carrying the Order of the Thistle.

Ms. Phillips said about the painting: "It's annoying, but it's a huge pleasure and it's a fantastic honor to ask to do it."

The new portrait was commissioned by the Royal Collection Trust as part of an investment project to boost tourism at Holyroodhouse.

The queen posed for many portraits during her years at the head of the royal family.

Among the most memorable are the portrait of Cecil Beaton's coronation day, which shows a young Queen Elizabeth crowned in June 1954, the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Ralph Heimans who shows it at Westminster Abbey. in 2012 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Lucian Freud, which is a simple painting of her wearing a 2001 crown.

One of the least orthodox portraits is Andy Warhol's Queen Elizabeth of 1985, a pop art version of her official silver jubilee portrait of 1977.

It was the last work of Warhol before his death.

As Christmas approaches, it has been revealed that the Queen will traditionally spend the end of year holidays with her family at Sandringham House, Norfolk. But giving gifts to the royal family is not just about wrapping the gift and leaving it under the tree.

The queen has three strict rules when the royal family sits on Christmas Eve to open her presents.

The tradition surrounding gifts goes back several decades and involves so-called "gag" gifts.

But there are also procedures and rules that must be followed according to the order of the queen.

The rules are that no one should open his gift until Prince Philip has allowed him to oversee the procedure, each gift being an inexpensive "joke", and cheaper the present, better this will be.

One of the most memorable Christmas presents is an "Is not life a bitch" swim cap offered to the Queen by Prince Harry.