Happy birthday Imelda, shown here staring into the camera with determination certainly, yet also a quiet sense of warmth and humanity. When this picture was taken, nearly 20 years ago, I wonder if she thought she’d feature in The Crown, where similar qualities are required for playing the lead role?

She’s portrayed here by entertainment photographer Harry Borden, himself something of an institution, with over 100 portraits in the NPG collection.

See the image here: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw117861/Imelda-Staunton