King Charles delivered a moving message before the state funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
The new monarch’s heartfelt words came as the Queen was shown smiling in a newly-released photograph.
In the image snapped in May by photographer Ranald Mackechnie, Her Majesty can be seen wearing a blue dress she matched with pearl earrings and a necklace.
The beloved Queen also wore diamond clip brooches, an 18th birthday present from her father King George VI in 1944.
Royal fans immediately recognized the brooches when she addressed the nation in 2020 for the 75th anniversary of VE day, and during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.
After visiting all four UK countries since the Queen passed away on September 8, the new monarch said: “Over the last 10 days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.”
King Charles continued: “In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother.
“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself.”
The Queen will be laid to rest at 7:30 pm at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor Castle, joining her beloved husband of more than seven decades, Prince Philip.
Camilla the Queen Consort also paid homage to the late monarch for being a ‘solitary woman’ in a world that was historically dominated by men throughout her reign.
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