Shortly before the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace published a previously unknown photo of the late monarch. The picture shows the Queen smiling in a light blue dress. She has pinned two aquamarine and diamond brooches given to her father, George VI. gave her for her 18th birthday in April 1944. She also wears a three strand pearl necklace around her neck and pearl diamond earrings. It is said to be the same jewelery presented by Elizabeth II when she met Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle two days before her death.

According to British media reports, the photo was taken in May shortly before the Queen's platinum anniversary at Windsor Castle and was taken by Ranald Mackechnie. He had also shot the official anniversary portrait, released in early June this year, which showed the Queen seated by a window at Windsor Castle.

The royal family has also posted a series of personal photos from the monarch's life on the official Twitter account, including Elizabeth as a baby, in military service during World War II, with her husband Prince Philip and other family members. In most of the recordings, the queen can be seen smiling.

"Remembering our Queen. Today people from across the UK, Commonwealth and around the world will pay tribute to the extraordinary life and reign of Her Majesty The Queen," the tweet commented.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 at the age of 96 in her Scottish residence in Balmoral. The state funeral is taking place in Westminster Abbey in London today, to which around 2000 guests are invited. The Queen will then be buried with her family at Windsor Castle.