In the photo, which was taken by Ranald Mackechnie, the Queen smiles broadly as she wears an icy blue dress adorned with a teal pin given to her by her father, King George VI, for her 18th birthday. She also wore a three-strand pearl necklace and pearl and diamond earrings, which have since been seen on Catherine, Princess of Wales. “Ahead of the Queen’s state funeral, a new photograph has been released,” the royal family said in a statement on Twitter accompanying the portrait. “The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee – the first British Monarch to reach this milestone. Tomorrow, millions will gather to commemorate her remarkable life.” Mackechnie had also previously shot the official portrait of the late monarch to mark her unprecedented platinum jubilee. Queen Elizabeth then posed in a pale blue coat and pearl and diamond dress. The look was designed by Angela Kelly, the Queen’s long-time confidante and wardrobe consultant. At the time, the Queen released a statement to accompany the release of the photo. “Thank you to everyone involved in bringing together communities, families, neighbors and friends to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee, in the UK and across the Commonwealth,” he said. “I know many happy memories will be made at these celebrations. 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 over the past seventy years as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm”. The Queen’s funeral will take place on Monday 19 September 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 touched by all who took the trouble to come and pay tribute to the lifelong service of my beloved mother, the late Queen,” he said in a statement released by the palace. “As we all prepare to say our final goodbyes, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself during this time of grief.” Chelsey Sanchez is an Associate Editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, where she covers pop culture, politics and social movements.
