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April 20, 2022

New photo of Queen Elizabeth released to mark her 96th birthday

WATCH: Our favorite Queen Elizabeth II moments for her birthday

Just over two months after marking 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth is marking another milestone, celebrating her 96th birthday.

The queen, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, will celebrate her birthday privately Thursday at Sandringham, her country retreat in Norfolk, England.

To mark the queen's birthday, a new photo was released showing Her Majesty posing alongside two of her ponies, Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale, according to Buckingham Palace.

The photo, taken in March on the grounds of Windsor Castle, was released by the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which has been attended by Queen Elizabeth nearly every year since its inception in 1943.

PHOTO: In this photo released by Royal Windsor Horse Show, April 20, 2022, and taken in March 2022, Britain's Queen Elizabeth poses for a photo with her Fell ponies Bybeck Nightingale, right, and Bybeck Katie on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor.
henrydallalphotography.com/Royal Windsor Horse Show via AP
In this photo released by Royal Windsor Horse Show, April 20, 2022, and taken in March 2022, Britain's Queen Elizabeth poses for a photo with her Fell ponies Bybeck Nightingale, right, and Bybeck Katie on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor. Queen Elizabeth is marking her 96th birthday privately on Thursday, retreating to the Sandringham estate in eastern England that has offered the monarch and her late husband, Prince Philip, a refuge from the affairs of state.

At age 96, Queen Elizabeth continues her reign as Britain's oldest monarch, a record she has held for over a decade.

The queen received birthday wishes on social media from royal family members, including her grandson, Prince William, and his wife, Duchess Kate, who called the queen, "an inspiration to so many."

Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 96th birthday today!

An inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world, it’s particularly special to be celebrating in this #PlatinumJubilee year. pic.twitter.com/iWfyorcd8I

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 21, 2022

Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

Today as The Queen turns 96, we’re sharing this photograph of the young Princess Elizabeth aged 2.

Then, in 1928, it was never expected she would be Queen, and this year Her Majesty is celebrating her #PlatinumJubilee - a first in British history. pic.twitter.com/DnwsMU81I3

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2022

Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a particularly special 96th birthday today, as we celebrate her Platinum Jubilee year. 🎈 pic.twitter.com/CJSMTjOMBp

— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2022

This year marks the queen's second birthday since her husband, Prince Philip, died April 9, 2021, at the age of 99.

MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan meet with Queen Elizabeth for 1st time since leaving royal roles

The queen's last in-person public appearance was in March, when she joined members of the royal family in attending a Thanksgiving service for Philip at London's Westminster Abbey.

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MORE: Queen Elizabeth II's life through the years

Queen Elizabeth, known for keeping a rigorous schedule well into her 90s, has slowed her schedule of engagements over the past two years, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic and to her health.

She was hospitalized overnight last October for what Buckingham Palace described at the time as "preliminary investigations," and the next month sprained her back.

In February, the queen tested positive for COVID-19 but had only "mild cold-like symptoms" as a result of the virus, according to the palace.

MORE: Queen Elizabeth marks 70 years on the throne: 7 memorable moments

Queen Elizabeth will be back in the spotlight later this year for the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.

PHOTO: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence, as she celebrates the start of the Platinum Jubilee, Feb. 5, 2022
Joe Giddens/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence, as she celebrates the start of the Platinum Jubilee, Feb. 5, 2022

A weekend of festivities celebrating the queen's reign is scheduled to take place in June, around the same time her birthday is celebrated publicly each year.

Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.