Unreleased Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II Released on Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Death

To commemorate the first anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and His Majesty’s accession, a previously unreleased photograph of Her late Majesty has been made public.

The image, captured by renowned photographer Cecil Beaton, was taken on October 16th, 1968, during an official sitting at Buckingham Palace. His Majesty The King personally selected this photograph to mark the solemn occasion.

The photograph holds historical significance, as it was showcased for the first time at the National Portrait Gallery between November 1968 and March 1969. It formed part of the gallery’s inaugural photographic exhibition titled “Beaton Portraits 1928-68.” This exhibition was notable as it marked the first retrospective of a living photographer’s work in a British national museum.

Cecil Beaton, who had first photographed Her late Majesty in 1942, had the privilege of capturing numerous portraits of the Queen and other members of the Royal Family throughout the years. However, the 1968 sitting with Queen Elizabeth II would be their final session together, making this photograph a poignant reminder of their creative collaboration.