Friends of the Five Stars Appeal Charity

Darren Baker's stunning new portrait of the Queen was unveiled today by HRH The Princess Royal at a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey.  Darren said the commission to paint the Queen by the Royal British Legion has been the greatest honour of his career and an experience he will always treasure.  The piece was created from sketches and photographs taken over two sittings with Her Majesty.  Darren commented: "I studied previous portraits of the Queen and drew on my knowledge of historical royal portraits from western European art.  I visited the room where the sitting took place several times and I was struck by the way light filled the room and accentuated the historical and regal objects.  I felt a great sense of responsibility in completing this commission and following a great line of royal portrait painters.  My aim from the outset was to create a portrait that would capture the grace of our wonderful monarch whilst incorporating the essence of the Legion."

Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, National President of The Royal British Legion said; "It is clear Darren Baker has produced one of the most remarkable realistic portraits of our Monarch this century."