The last known photograph of Queen Elizabeth II showcases the longest-reigning monarch’s service to her country to the very end.
Her Majesty “died peacefully” at 96 in Scotland on Thursday, the same place where, only 48 hours prior, she appointed Liz Truss as the new prime minister of Britain.
The queen summoned the conservative politician to Balmoral Castle on Tuesday to participate in an ancient swearing-in ceremony known as “kissing of hands.”
Elizabeth II appointed 13 British prime ministers over the 70 years of her reign, usually conducting them in historic ceremonies in Buckingham Palace in London. However, due to “mobility issues,” the queen was unable to travel back to the British capital from Scotland, and Truss flew north to meet her instead.
The photos are the last known ones taken of the queen prior to her passing, performing her duties faithfully and steadfastly despite reportedly being in significant pain.
The Queen had a noticeable bruise on her right hand, which set off alarms among some.
Elizabeth’s health made headlines in October of last year, after she was spotted using a walking stick for the first time since 2004. She would, later that same month, cancel a trip to Ireland and then, after spraining her back in early November, would postpone her return to the public eye.
In February, the queen tested positive for COVID and was isolated, the virus reportedly making a minimal impact on her.
There were several other instances of her missing events in the months leading up to her death.
In May, a Buckingham Palace statement revealed that the queen would “reluctantly” miss a royal engagement due to “mobility problems.”
In June, the monarch missed Royal Ascot for the first time since she was crowned seven decades ago.
She also backed out of certain events during the massive Platinum Jubilee festivities due to feelings of “discomfort.”
The queen’s heir and oldest son, now King Charles III, issued a statement after his mother’s passing was announced.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty, The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” the 76-year-old said.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
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