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New Queen's Diamond Jubilee Portrait Unveiled : The Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

A new commissioned portrait to mark the Queen's forthcoming Diamond Jubilee, seated with Prince Philip in the castle's Green Drawing Room was unveiled at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh today, (Thursday).

It was taken by German artist Thomas Struth on April 7 this year and also marks the Duke's 90th birthday earlier this month.

It is the first double portrait of the couple to be commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the first portrait of the Queen since John Wonnacott's Royal Family group painting in 2000.

Paul Moorhouse, curator of The Queen: Art & Image, and the National Gallery's curator of 20th century portraits, said: ''Thomas Struth's portrait is a sensitive evocation of individuals within a magnificent setting composed in terms of light, colour, textures and formal arrangements. It is also a subtle exploration of human relationships.''

Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, London, said: ''Thomas Struth has created an outstanding new portrait of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, that will happily contribute to the many celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee.''

The picture is to go on display at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh tomorrow, (Friday), as part of the touring exhibition The Queen: Art & Image.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh sitting in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle

Photo: Thomas Struth