Queen to mark her 88th birthday - PHOTO

This portrait of the Queen, taken by celebrated British photographer David Bailey CBE, was released today ahead of the occasion. It shows the monarch smiling at the camera - while donning a pearl necklace, earrings and a brooch.Her jewellery is accompanied by a simple dress by Angela Kelly, who has served as the Queen's personal assistant and senior dresser since 2002.The black-and-white photograph was taken at Buckingham Palace in March and commissioned on behalf of the Government's GREAT Britain campaign.It was captured by 76-year-old Bailey, who has been photographing celebrities, royals and other famous people for more than 50 years. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'Bailey's name was suggested by Number 10 and the GREAT campaign and the Queen agreed.'The Queen agreed to sit for it in recognition of the work of the GREAT campaign.'Bailey, whose previous subjects have included Diana, Princess of Wales, the Beatles, Sir Mick Jagger and model Kate Moss, said he had always been a 'huge fan' of the Queen. 'She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint,' he said. 'I've always liked strong women and she is a very strong woman.'The GREAT Britain campaign aims to generate jobs and growth through highlighting the UK as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'The Government's GREAT campaign is promoting Britain as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment and education.'The portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by renowned photographer David Bailey CBE, celebrates her 88th birthday and supports the aims of the campaign, to showcase everything that is great about the UK to an international audience.'It is hoped the image will encourage overseas visitors to experience the country's royal heritage. Britain's monarchy, including royal heritage and property, is one of the biggest drivers of tourism into the UK, generating an estimated £500 million per year from overseas tourism spend.The Royal Family has given strong support to the campaign over the last two years - and the latest portrait of the Queen continues that support.The campaign has delivered economic returns worth more than £500million to the economy - with a further £600-£800m of returns forecast from activity in 2013-14.It is the Government's most ambitious international marketing campaign, showcasing the best of what Britain has to offer in order to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the country.Launched by the Prime Minister in September 2011, the initiative is a global campaign, deployed by Britain's diplomatic posts in 144 countries around the world.(dailymail.co.uk)BakuDaily.Az