A never-before-seen photo of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been shared by the royal family in a haunting final tribute.
The image was released Monday night by Buckingham Palace as the monarch was laid to rest in Windsor Castle hours after her state funeral.
In the photo, Queen Elizabeth walks through the moors in Scotland.
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The never-before-seen photo was taken in Balmoral in 1971.
A quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet was shared along with the photo reading: “May flights of Angels sing thee to your rest. In loving memory of Her Majesty the Queen”.
The same words were said by King Charles III in his… first address to the nation the day after his mother’s death.
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The photo, which was shared on the royal family’s social media accounts, was captioned: “In loving memory of Her Majesty the Queen. 1926 – 2022”
Elizabeth II died on Thursday, September 8 at Balmoral Castle.
She had been on her annual summer vacation in Balmoral, her beloved retreat from the world nestled in the Scottish Highlands.
The photo is believed to have been taken by Lord Lichfield, nephew of the late Queen.
He took official photos of the now King’s wedding to Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981.
Queen Elizabeth was Britain’s longest serving monarch, celebrating her 70th year on the throne. the platinum anniversaryin June.
She was laid to rest Monday night in a private family service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
READ MORE: The most poignant moments in the farewell of the late Queen
Hours earlier, thousands of mourners had attended her state funeral at Westminster Abbey, a service attended by billions around the world.
The royal family is now in a period of mourning.
On September 9, the day after the Queen’s death, King Charles III decreed that a period of mourning would be observed for seven days after the funeral.
Buckingham Palace said: “After the death of Her Majesty the Queen, His Majesty the King wishes a period of royal mourning to be observed from now until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.
“Royal mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and royal house representatives with official duties, along with troops performing ceremonial duties.”
The royal family is not expected to carry out any official engagements until then.
Flags on royal residences remain at half mast until 8am after the last day of royal mourning
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