Last photo of The Queen: Royal seen smiling days before death
The Queen is seen beaming in what's now her last public photo taken at her Balmoral home just two days before her death.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch, died "peacefully" at home on Thursday at the age of 96, with a statement from the royal family confirming the news.
In the poignant photo, Her Majesty was shown serving her country until the very end, a duty she promised when being sworn in some 70 years ago, in 1952.
The Queen performed one final duty on September 6 when she met and swore in the UK’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral in Scotland. Truss is the UK’s 56th prime minister and its third female leader.
Their meeting was the first outside of Buckingham Palace in London where the Queen would normally take such meetings.
Her Majesty moved to Balmoral in her final months as concerns for her mobility grew. It's there she spent her final days.
Changes to the royal family: Charles to be king
The Royal family confirmed the passing of the Queen on Thursday afternoon (local time).
"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," a statement read, referring to her royal successors.
Charles, who's since taken on the new role of King, said the death of his mother "is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family."
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held," he said.
The Queen's passing means Charles will now be known as King Charles III. His wife Camillia has become the Queen Consort.
Prince William and Kate will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
In a statement on social media, Ms Truss referred to the Queen as "the rock on which modern Britain was built".
"Our country has grown and flourished under her reign," she wrote.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
