Prince's birthday portrait shown

The prince's official photograph was taken by Hugo Burnand Enlarge Image

Prince Charles chose a formal uniform but a relaxed pose for the official portrait to mark his 60th birthday.

The Prince of Wales is shown wearing the ceremonial uniform of the Welsh Guards, minus the headdress, in the photograph taken by Hugo Burnand.

The prince, who has been Colonel of the Welsh Guards since 1975, wears the uniform every year for the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

On Thursday, the Queen hosted a lavish birthday dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were joined by Princes William and Harry and the Duke of Edinburgh at the dinner.

Among more than 400 guests were European royalty, friends and members of the prince's charities.

In a short address Princes William and Harry thanked everyone for attending and paid tribute to their father as "an inspiration to us and so many others".

Mr Burnand said he was "thrilled" the image had been selected by the Prince.

He said: "I like to have an approachable feel with photographs so you are almost talking to the person. I'm absolutely thrilled that he has chosen it and that he likes it as much as I do."

The photograph was taken at the prince's official residence, Clarence House, on 27 February.

Royal wedding

Mr Burnand said: "My wife Louisa was my assistant on the day so the pose was a culmination of ideas from the three of us."

The 45-year-old London-based photographer took a photograph of the Duchess of Cornwall - prior to her marriage to the prince - five years ago.

"Then I went backpacking in the Andes with my family for four months and I got a call to come back and photograph the wedding," he said.

Mr Burnand took the official photographs of the newlyweds and their families at Windsor Castle in 2005.

Palace party for Charles Jon Culshaw as Charles

As well as the medals (for details, see picture caption) the prince is pictured wearing three breast stars.

At the top is the Most Noble Order of the Garter (Knight) which he received in 1968.

Below it on the left is the Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of The Thistle (Knight) which Charles was awarded in 1977.

On the right is the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Great Master (Military) which the Prince received in 1975.

Charles is also wearing two neck orders, the Order of Merit received in 2002 and the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Great Master (Military) which he received in 1975.

The blue sash across the Prince's chest is The Most Noble Order of the Garter which has his Army Flying Wings at the shoulder.

The aiguillette - the gold braid at the Prince's right shoulder - recognises his appointment as the Queen's Aide-de-Camp (ADC).