English photographer, David Bailey's photograph of The Queen was released on Sunday to mark her 88th birthday and show support for the "loveGREATBritain campaign", according to Buckingham Palace.

The black and white portrait published on the official website of the British Monarchy showed the Queen was facing the camera with a kind smile.

She was wearing peals and a diamond and peal brooch when posing for the photo which was taken in March at Buckingham Palace.

The photo was released on Sunday to mark the 88th birthday of the Queen on Monday, while her official birthday this year falls on 14 June.

The photographer, David Bailey, 76, one of the known photographers across the nation, was a photographer for British Vogue magazine in late 1960s. Bailey was appointed by the Queen as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001. He photographed a lot of celebrities, such as the Beatles, Mick Jagger and Kate Moss.

"I've always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I've always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman," said Bailey, according to local reports.

While the decent ornaments were designed by Angela Kelly, who is a daughter of a Liverpool dock worker, but has served as personal assistant and senior dresser to the Queen since 2002. She is responsible for the Queen's clothes, jewellery and insignia.

Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April in 1926. To celebrate the 88th birthday this year, there are a lot of events held across the country, including a royal family members' childhood toys show, which will be held this summer at Buckingham Palace.