The Queen unveils a new portrait of herself to applause from former IRA commander Martin McGuinness
- The Queen unveiled a portrait of herself at a reception in London today
- Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness attended
- The portrait was painted by Belfast-born artist Colin Davidson
The Queen was joined by former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as she unveiled a new portrait of herself by a Belfast-born artist.
Mr McGuinness, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, applauded as the monarch pulled the satin cover off the painting at a reception in London today.
The Duke of Edinburgh and First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster also attended.
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The Queen was joined by (pictured from left to right) First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, and Irish Minister Frances Fitzgerald
Mr McGuinness, the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, seen behind the Queen, applauded as the monarch pulled the cover off the painting at a reception in London today
Mr McGuinness posed beside the portrait of Her Majesty by a Belfast-born artist
Painted by celebrated contemporary artist Colin Davidson, the portrait shows Her Majesty in a blue blouse, brooch and pearls.
Mr Davidson is known for his large, detailed portraits usually showing the head and shoulders of the sitter, captured in a reflective or contemplative mood.
His previous subjects include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and actors Liam Neeson and Brad Pitt.
The portrait was commissioned by Co-Operation Ireland, a charity working to foster ties between Northern Ireland and communities on both sides of the Irish border.
The Queen, 90, made a historic State Visit to Ireland in 2011 which heralded a new chapter in Anglo-Irish relations.
Painted by artist Colin Davidson, the portrait shows Her Majesty in a blouse, brooch and pearls
The Queen, right, was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, left, at the charity reception today
The Queen wore a pale pink suit, gloves and black heels for the event at Crosby Hall
The monarch's conciliatory words and gestures during the tour won over many critics of the Royal Family.
The following year marked another milestone when the Queen met Mr McGuinness at a cultural event in Belfast's Lyric Theatre.
Almost 33 years after her cousin, Lord Mountbatten of Burma, was murdered by an IRA bomb as he holidayed with his family, the Queen momentously shook hands with Mr McGuinness, one of the terror group's former commanders.
Artist Colin Davidson, Dr. Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland, and the Queen
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