Unveiled - Elizabeth the 22nd

The Queen stares fixedly ahead, every hair perfectly in place and the hint of a smile playing around her lips.

It is one of her signature expressions: she could be viewing a guard of honour, perhaps, or enduring the unctuous flattery from yet another politician.

Today - the day after her 76th birthday - the Evening Standard can present this sneak preview of Madame Tussaud's latest likeness of Her Majesty.

Once kitted out in suitably lavish finery, the latest likeness will go on display at the world-famous waxworks later this year.

The Queen has been immortalised in wax by Tussaud's more often than anyone. Shakespeare said there were seven ages of man - but Tussaud's has already frozen the Queen in time at 21 different stages of her life.

She was only two years old the first time, in 1928. Then Princess Elizabeth, she was depicted wearing a lace-trimmed white dress and toying with a string of pearls.

A very different vision was presented in 1955, when she was modelled sitting splendidly in state, as she had for her Coronation 50 years ago this year. In this her Golden Jubilee year, the velvet rope that has traditionally separated visitors from the Queen's waxworks will be removed - allowing them to pose for pictures with her wax double.

Diane Moon, Madame Tussaud's spokeswoman, said: "Until now, the figures of the Queen and other members of the royal family have been roped off to ensure the visitors kept a respectful distance. But this year we decided to tear down the ropes so people can get closer."

In the past such a move would have raised eyebrows at

Buckingham Palace but royal aides say the Queen is delighted with the idea. Despite the sadness of her mother's death, this remains a very important year for her.

One aide said: "She is doing her best to see as many people as possible when she tours the country and the Commonwealth - but at least this way some people get closer to her and have a photograph taken with her, even if it is a waxwork."

Ms Moon said of the new figure: "In the past she has appeared a little stern but in this one she certainly appears more relaxed, and there is even a hint of a smile on her face."

When the new model is unveiled to the public for the first time, Tussaud's staff dressed as royal footmen will be on hand to instruct on how the Queen should be addressed as Ma'am - "pronounced to rhyme with jam" - and the correct way to curtsy.