Royal Collection buys Warhol portraits of queen

photo Four Andy Warhol portraits of Queen Elizabeth II are seen in Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Monday Sept. 24, 2012, and will form part of the "Portraits of a Monarch" exhibit starting in November at Windsor Castle until June 2013. The colorful screenprints are based on a formal photograph of the queen wearing a tiara and necklace that was used during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. (AP Photo/PA, Andrew Matthews)

LONDON (AP) - Britain's Royal Collection Trust is going Pop Art with the purchase of four famous Andy Warhol portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.

The colorful screenprints are based on a formal photograph of the queen wearing a tiara and necklace that was used during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977.

They will form part of the Portraits of a Monarch exhibit starting in November at Windsor Castle.

The purchase brings Warhol's distinctive style to a collection of portraits of British rulers that dates back to the 15th Century.

Officials declined Monday to specify how much was paid for the portraits.

The exhibit will be open to people who visit Windsor Castle, which is roughly 20 miles west of London. It will run until June 2013.

Upcoming Events