The whole point of having children, and then grandchildren (followed by great-grandchildren), is to force them to do sensible things, like carrying heavy packages, and holding your purse during a very important photoshoot.
This is what Her Majesty had Mia Tindall, 2, do for what could be the year’s most famous photo (it’s tied for first with this gem).
“One is doing the Lord’s work. Plus, I was told there’s gum in here.”
Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images
Tindall is the daughter of the Queen’s oldest granddaughter, equestrian Zara Phillips.
Zara and her older brother, Peter (whose two daughters, Savannah and Isla are in the photo) were not given titles because their mother, the Princess Royal, wanted her children raised as normally as possible.
Still, it’s clear the Phillips kids and their offspring are able to enjoy the perks of being related to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who turns 90 today.
Mia proudly held her great-grandmother’s black purse, an accessory more constant than any of the Queen’s beloved hats.
Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Queen held 11-month-old Princess Charlotte in her arms as the future of the House of Windsor surrounded their matriarch, including Prince George (who has a few official shoots under his belt at this point), the Phillips sister, as well as the Queen’s youngest grandchildren, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
The photo was taken by Annie Leibovitz on Easter Monday this year at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite residence.
Leibovitz shot two more photos of the Queen to mark the historic birthday, including one with her only daughter (and Mia’s grandmother), Princess Anne, and another with her ankle-biting corgis.
Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images
Annie Leibovitz via Getty Images
Today, the Queen was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh for a walkabout in Windsor, looking resplendent in a spring grass green coat and hat by her dressmaker, Angela Kelly, and unveiled a plague marking “The Queen’s Walkway”
Tonight, the BBC will air a special featuring the royal family and their personal footage to mark Her Majesty’s special day.
Here’s a snippet of The Prince’s personal tribute to The Queen to mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. #Queenat90https://t.co/FuLDXA4fxf
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2016
“He walks like George!” – The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry watch footage of their father as a child #Queenat90https://t.co/qSlZOjp5OP
— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) April 20, 2016
Also on the agenda for tonight, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall with join Her Majesty and the Duke in lighting a beacon, which will subsequently set off others around the country to mark the historical birthday.
Tomorrow, President Obama will have lunch with Her Majesty at Windsor Castle, and will return to London where he’ll dine with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at Kensington Palace.
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