The Queen's official portraits: Seven of the most extraordinary paintings from 70 years and over 1,000 sittings

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been painted literally thousands of times since she came to the throne. Charlotte Mullins reveals some of the secrets behind seven of the most recognisable.

Over 1,000 artists have been invited to paint HM The Queen.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been painted literally thousands of times since she came to the throne. Charlotte Mullins reveals some of the secrets behind seven of the most recognisable.