Buckingham Palace Unveils Final, Never-Before-Seen Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

While the world prepares to bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral tomorrow, Buckingham Palace has released a final portrait of the late monarch, who died at 96 years old on September 8.

In the photograph, which was shot by Ranald Mackechnie, the queen smiles widely while wearing an icy blue dress adorned with an aquamarine brooch, which was gifted to her by her father, King George VI, for her 18th birthday. She additionally wore a three-strand pearl necklace and pearl-and-diamond earrings, both of which have since been seen on Catherine, Princess of Wales.

"Ahead of Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral, a new photograph has been released," the royal family said in a statement on Twitter that accompanied the portrait. "The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee - the first British Monarch to reach this milestone. Tomorrow, millions will come together to commemorate her remarkable life."

Mackechnie had also previously shot the official portrait of the late monarch in celebration of her unprecedented Platinum Jubilee. Then, Queen Elizabeth posed in a soft dove blue coat and dress with pearl and diamante trim. The look was designed by Angela Kelly, the Queen's longtime confidant and wardrobe advisor.

At the time, the queen released a statement to accompany the release of the photo.

"Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth," she said. "I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm."

The queen's funeral will take place on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey in London.

Today, King Charles expressed his gratitude to those who have sent their condolences to the royal family in their time of mourning. "We were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, The late Queen," he said in a statement released by the palace. "As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my Family and myself in this time of grief."

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