Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: King Charles III reveals unseen portrait of late mother aged 42

King Charles III has observed the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death by unveiling an unseen portrait of his late mother. The selected image captures Queen Elizabeth during a formal portrait session in 1968 when she was 42 years old.

The unveiling marked a year since the passing of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, who peacefully died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle.

King Charles III said: "In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us. I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all."

Earlier on Friday (September 8) Charles and Queen Camilla attended a sombre service at the Scottish church where the late Queen worshipped, where private prayers were held and a moment of reflection was observed for the nation’s longest-serving monarch.

Members of the royal family also honoured the anniversary around the country, with the Prince and Princess of Wales leaving a floral tribute to the late Queen at St Davids Cathedral in Wales during a private service.

The Duke of Sussex paid a visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where his grandmother was laid to rest.

William and Kate’s moving social media tribute "We all miss you" was echoed by the Queen’s granddaughter Princess Eugenie, who wrote on Instagram: "Thinking of you today. Missing you so much."

Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at her Balmoral home on September 8, last year, at the age of 96, after serving as monarch for 70 years, and was mourned by her family and friends, as well as remembered by the nation.

The late Queen’s niece and nephew, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon, who were close to their aunt and saw the monarch frequently, joined the King and Queen at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Lady Sarah was accompanied by her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur, while the Earl was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones.