Photographer: I chose Queen’s dress for new portrait

^{Picture: © Harry Benson Ltd}

The photograph, unveiled this morning, depicts the Queen in her private study at Buckingham Palace where she hosts weekly meetings with prime ministers.

‘I was given the opportunity of selecting the colour and dress that the Queen would wear for the portrait,’ said Benson, who has photographed every US president since Eisenhower.

‘My teachers at the Eastwood School in Glasgow would be amazed.’

Benson said he plumped for this particular garment worn by the Queen because of its ‘lovely heather colour’.

Christopher Baker, director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, said: ‘Harry Benson’s portrait of Her Majesty is a respectful and thoughtful work, which will, I am confident, prove extremely popular.’