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Queen in sapphire for 65 years on throne Queen's Sapphire Jubilee: Gun salutes mark 65 years on the throne
(about 1 hour later)
A portrait of the Queen by British photographer David Bailey has been reissued for her Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne. A 41-gun salute has been fired in London's Green Park to mark the Queen's 65 years on the throne.
Gun salutes also took place in Cardiff, Edinburgh and York.
The Queen has become the first British monarch to reach a sapphire jubilee, after becoming the UK's longest-reigning monarch in 2015, aged 89.
A portrait of the Queen by British photographer David Bailey has been reissued for the anniversary.
In the photo, the Queen wears sapphire jewellery given to her by King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947.In the photo, the Queen wears sapphire jewellery given to her by King George VI as a wedding gift in 1947.
The Queen has become the first British monarch to reach a sapphire jubilee.
The portrait was among a series taken by Bailey in 2014, with one released for the Queen's 88th birthday that year.The portrait was among a series taken by Bailey in 2014, with one released for the Queen's 88th birthday that year.
She became the UK's longest-reigning monarch in 2015 at the age of 89.
The photographer's subjects over the years include Princess Diana, the Beatles, and criminals the Kray twins.The photographer's subjects over the years include Princess Diana, the Beatles, and criminals the Kray twins.
Sapphire and diamonds
In the portrait, the Queen, who is now 90, wears a necklace made of 16 large oblong sapphires surrounded by diamonds with a matching pair of drop earrings.In the portrait, the Queen, who is now 90, wears a necklace made of 16 large oblong sapphires surrounded by diamonds with a matching pair of drop earrings.
Over the years, she has added to the gifts from her father with a tiara and a bracelet to complement the original jewellery.Over the years, she has added to the gifts from her father with a tiara and a bracelet to complement the original jewellery.
It is tradition for the Queen to spend the Accession Day - as the anniversary of the day she became monarch is officially known - in private at her Sandringham Estate and return to Buckingham Palace a few days later.It is tradition for the Queen to spend the Accession Day - as the anniversary of the day she became monarch is officially known - in private at her Sandringham Estate and return to Buckingham Palace a few days later.
Prime Minister Theresa May offered her congratulations hailing the Queen as " truly an inspiration to all of us". Prime Minister Theresa May offered her congratulations hailing the Queen as "truly an inspiration to all of us".
The prime minister said: "I know the nation will join with me today in celebrating and giving thanks for the lifetime of service Her Majesty the Queen has given to our country and to the Commonwealth."The prime minister said: "I know the nation will join with me today in celebrating and giving thanks for the lifetime of service Her Majesty the Queen has given to our country and to the Commonwealth."
Mrs May said it was "a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation" that the Queen had made clear she did not want official celebrations to mark the historic milestone.Mrs May said it was "a testament to her selfless devotion to the nation" that the Queen had made clear she did not want official celebrations to mark the historic milestone.
Another first for Queen Elizabeth IIAnother first for Queen Elizabeth II
Analysis by Peter Hunt, BBC diplomatic and royal correspondent By Peter Hunt, BBC diplomatic and royal correspondent
Longevity for a hereditary head of state has brought many milestones.Longevity for a hereditary head of state has brought many milestones.
Britain's longest reigning monarch - she overtook her great great grandmother, Victoria, in 2015 - has already commemorated her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.Britain's longest reigning monarch - she overtook her great great grandmother, Victoria, in 2015 - has already commemorated her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
Today, after 23,742 days on the throne, it's the start of the first Sapphire Jubilee in British history.Today, after 23,742 days on the throne, it's the start of the first Sapphire Jubilee in British history.
For the Queen, it's a moment for contemplation rather than celebration - as it is also the anniversary of her father's death.For the Queen, it's a moment for contemplation rather than celebration - as it is also the anniversary of her father's death.
The woman who became Queen in 1952, when butter was still rationed in those post-war years, continues to reign, 65 years on, in a country now fashioning its future outside of the EU.The woman who became Queen in 1952, when butter was still rationed in those post-war years, continues to reign, 65 years on, in a country now fashioning its future outside of the EU.
In the coming months and years, she will, inevitably, do less and other royals will take on more - most notably Prince William, once he finishes his job as an air ambulance pilot in the summer.In the coming months and years, she will, inevitably, do less and other royals will take on more - most notably Prince William, once he finishes his job as an air ambulance pilot in the summer.
The 90-year-old working monarch has another significant moment on the horizon.The 90-year-old working monarch has another significant moment on the horizon.
In November, she and Prince Philip will mark 70 years of marriage.In November, she and Prince Philip will mark 70 years of marriage.
Read more from Peter Hunt hereRead more from Peter Hunt here
In London, royal gun salutes will commemorate the occasion across the capital. In London, royal gun salutes commemorated the occasion across the capital.
A 41-gun salute was fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Green Park at midday and a 62-gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company will be fired at the Tower of London at 13:00 GMT. A 41-gun salute was fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Green Park at midday and a 62-gun salute by the Honourable Artillery Company was fired at the Tower of London at 13:00 GMT.
During the celebrations, the Band of the Royal Artillery played music close to the firing position, and 89 horses pulled six World War One-era 13-pounder field guns into position in the park.
Larger-scale jubilee celebrations are expected to be reserved for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when the monarch will mark 70 years.Larger-scale jubilee celebrations are expected to be reserved for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when the monarch will mark 70 years.
At the time of the commission, Bailey said he had "always been a huge fan of the Queen".
"She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I've always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman."
The portrait was originally commissioned for the government's "Great" campaign, which was to promote UK trade, tourism, investment and education abroad.