The Queen has undergone a dramatic makeover in a new Platinum Jubilee portrait - and we can't help but love it.
- The Queen has been given a dramatic makeover in a stunning new portrait to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee year.
- Talented Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi has shared the touching reason he decided to give Her Majesty a head of black hair instead of her signature white bob.
- In other royal news, Sophie Wessex wows in sparkling gown as she borrows style tips from Kate Middleton.
The Queen has been given a drastic makeover in a new portrait to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee 2022.
In the stunning painting, created by Nigerian artist Oluwole Omofemi for a special collector's edition of Tatler, Her Majesty wears dark hair and a gold crown as she stares calmly to the side. Her outfit ‒ an off-the-shoulder, pale blue floral dress with a royal blue sash ‒ is designed in the 34-year-old's signature 'pop-art' style, while her body is the work of oil paints.
The striking royal portrait, which took Omofemi four intense weeks to complete, is notably different from many of its predecessors. Most of the paintings of the Queen commissioned over the last few decades have been impressions of her current public image, rather than a tribute to her younger self.
Speaking exclusively to Tatler, Omofemi explained the inspiration behind his decision to give the 96-year-old monarch a 'halo of black hair' instead of her signature white bob.
"‘Many of the great things the Queen achieved came at a very young age, so I have painted her with black hair," he said. "I also wanted to introduce my own style into this painting and, for me, hair represents the power of the woman."
This philosophy can be seen across Omofemi's impressive portfolio, which features numerous portraits of African women with their natural hair.
English rugby player and proud supporter of Omofemi, Maro Itoje, has said that the painting "captures the strength, elegance, and dignity that the Queen has symbolized in her 70 years on the throne."
Royal fans will be able to see the portrait up close at Sotheby's in London between May 28 May to 15 June.
