IMAGE SOURCE: ROYAL HOUSEHOLD/RANALD MACKECHNIE The photograph of the Queen at Windsor Castle was taken in May this year
On the eve of the Queen’s burial, Buckingham Palace unveiled an unseen portrait of her smiling brilliantly.
The image, taken by photographer Ranald Mackechnie in May prior to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, depicts the late king visiting Windsor Castle wearing a blue dress.
The Queen Consort paid a live homage to her on Sunday night, remembering her “beautiful blue eyes” and “unforgettable smile” as she unveiled the photo of her grinning at the camera.
Along with her favorite three-strand pearl necklace, the Queen also wore aquamarine and diamond clip brooches that her father, King George VI, gave her in 1944 for her 18th birthday.
When she spoke to the country on the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020 and for her broadcast speech on her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, she donned the brooches.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee portrait was also taken by Mr. Mackechnie, and it was unveiled in June to inaugurate the nation’s celebrations of her 70-year reign—the longest of any British monarch—which began that month.