King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II at Trooping the Colour in June 2022.DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II died one year ago on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle.
To honor the occasion, the royal family released a never-before-released photo of the late monarch.
King Charles III selected the photo himself, according to a press release from Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time that Her Majesty “died peacefully at Balmoral,” her beloved castle in Scotland.
She was 96 years old at the time of her death, and she remains the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
To honor the anniversary of her death, the royal family shared a never-before-released photo of the late queen.
King Charles III, who became the British monarch the moment his mother died, selected the picture himself, as Buckingham Palace said in a press release that was shared with Insider.
Queen Elizabeth II is photographed by Cecil Beaton on October 16, 1968.Cecil Beaton, issued by the Royal Collection Trust/His Majesty King Charles III 2023 via Reuters
The photograph shows the late Queen dressed in royal attire, including the Garter robes and the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s Tiara, which was created from 15 interwoven diamonds in the shape of circles, according to ITV.
According to the press release, famed photographer Cecil Beaton snapped the image on October 16, 1968, during an official sitting with Queen Elizabeth.
Beaton took photos of Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family throughout his career, first photographing the late monarch in 1942.
The photo released today was taken during Beaton’s last sitting with the late monarch, according to the same press release.
Although the royal family had not released the photo before Friday, it was previously part of the exhibition “Beaton Portraits 1928-68” at the National Portrait Gallery from November 1968 to March 1969, the press release also noted.
In addition to the photo, King Charles released a statement reflecting on his mother’s legacy on Friday.
“In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” he said. “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”
He signed the message “Charles R.,” which also showed the connection between them.
Queen Elizabeth’s official signature as monarch was “Elizabeth R.,” and the king appears to have followed in her footsteps.
The United Kingdom was in mourning following Queen Elizabeth’s death, with thousands flocking to pay their respects to her. Over 2,000 people attended her funeral on September 19.
The royal family shared a second image of the Queen on its social media accounts on Friday.
The image, which shows the late monarch wearing a purple dress and pearl necklaces and smiling for the camera, was accompanied by the caption: “In loving and everlasting memory. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 21st April 1926 – 8th September 2022.”
Queen Elizabeth II is photographed by Cecil Beaton on October 16, 1968.Cecil Beaton, issued by the Royal Collection Trust/His Majesty King Charles III 2023 via Reuters
