Helen Mirren, 69, covers up her iconic bikini body with a glamorous holiday kaftan as she enjoys yacht trip with friends

She previously said that the phenomenal bikini pictures that crowned her 'queen of the bikini' would 'haunt [her] for the rest of [her] life.'

So it's little surprise that when reclining on the deck of a luxury yacht, Hollywood icon Helen Mirren chose to cover up her enviable shape in a glamorous kaftan on Wednesday.

The 69-year-old, who turns 70 later this month, relaxed with friends and husband Taylor Hackford, her toned legs outstretched in the sun as they celebrated Italy's Ischia Film Festival.

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Kicking back: Helen Mirren looked ultra-glamorous as she outstretched her legs on a yacht in Italy on Wednesday

Kicking back: Helen Mirren looked ultra-glamorous as she outstretched her legs on a yacht in Italy on Wednesday

Despite the heat, the actress was the picture of classic Hollywood glamour as she peeped beneath a wide brimmed hat and through oversized sunglasses.

In a throwback to her vintage swimsuit moment, now six years ago, Helen wore a pink swimsuit as the group enjoyed the fresh waters just off the Italian coast.

She was in the company of giggling husband Taylor, who sat upright on a towel in a pair of purple swim shorts.  

Having a giggle: The group, including Helen's husband Taylor Hackford, enjoyed a giggle as they relaxed during Italy's Ischia Film Festival

Having a giggle: The group, including Helen's husband Taylor Hackford, enjoyed a giggle as they relaxed during Italy's Ischia Film Festival

The group seemed to be having a very enjoyable time and at one point Helen guffawed with her pals as she looked out to sea.

Her most memorable holiday moment in Italy still remains that time when she emerged from the water in Puglia, on the southern tip of the European city in a fuchsia balcony bikini, fully displaying her impeccable bikini body at 63.

Three years after the incident, Mirren confessed: 'I think the thing that will haunt me for the rest of my life is that bloody photograph of myself in a bikini.

'In and of itself, it is a lie because I don't actually look like that and I know that that is going to haunt me forever and I'll be forever trying to bury it unsuccessfully.'

Covered up: Helen avoided a throwback to her iconic bikini snap in Italy from 2006

Covered up: Helen avoided a throwback to her iconic bikini snap in Italy from 2006

Though the preoccupation with the actress's holiday snap was all owing to her superb physique, despite her modesty about its realistic appearance.

Of course, it won't be all that Helen will leave in her legacy, considering her outstanding acting career.

She celebrated film once again with her American film director partner again this week, with a festival that will culminate in a gala ceremony on Friday.

There, the star will be receive Ischia’s Luchino Visconti Award when the extravagant bash is held inside Villa La Colombaia.

Celebrated: Helen will be recognised with Ischia’s Luchino Visconti Award at a gala ceremony on Friday

Celebrated: Helen will be recognised with Ischia’s Luchino Visconti Award at a gala ceremony on Friday

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