Queen to unveil portrait painted by NI artist Donaldson

The Queen is due to unveil a new portrait of herself painted by a Belfast-born artist.

Colin Donaldson - who has previously painted leading figures like actors Liam Neeson and Brad Pitt, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney - was commissioned by the peace-building charity Co-operation Ireland to produce the artwork.

He is known for his large, detailed portraits usually showing the head and shoulders of the sitter, captured in a reflective or contemplative mood.

The Queen will be joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, who is joint patron of Co-operation Ireland, together with Irish president Michael DHiggins for the unveiling in London.