The Duchess of Edinburgh is putting gender equality at the heart of her work as she reaches a milestone birthday.

As Sophie celebrates her 60th, Buckingham Palace says she will be ’embracing and championing’ this focus with a ‘renewed sense of excitement and commitment’.

The big birthday is also being marked with a brand new portrait of The Duchess of Edinburgh, taken by an up and coming photographer.

Christina Ebenezer is known for her cinematographic inspirations and her use of innovative techniques to produce work she says is intended to ”highlight….the range of beauty we hold as individuals.” Born in Nigeria, Christina moved to London to join her family. Her work has already been on show at the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with Chanel.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was photographed at her home, Bagshot Park, earlier this month.

Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones was born on January 29th 1965 in Oxford and worked in PR before marrying Prince Edward at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor on June 19th 1999. In the quarter of a century since, she has worked extensively in gender equality and in areas including ending sexual violence in conflict.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is expected to celebrate her birthday privately with her husband at their home. Their two children are currently away from home: Lady Louise, 20, is at university while 17 year old James, Earl of Wessex is at boarding school preparing for A Levels.