THE Queen was pictured beaming as she met new PM Liz Truss in her final-ever photo taken just days before her death.
Buckingham Palace announced today Her Majesty had passed away aged 96 after an astonishing 70 years on the throne.
APHer Majesty beams in a final photo days before her death
Her death comes just days after she formally appointed Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister with a special audience at Balmoral.
The meeting on September 6 was the first time the Queen has held the event outside of London or Windsor.
She had been moved to Balmoral in her final months amid concerns for her mobility.
The poignant photos show the monarch beaming as she greeted Ms Truss – the 15th Prime Minister she has appointed during her reign.
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Her Majesty used her walking stick for stability but appeared in good spirits for the traditional “kissing of the hands” ceremony.
A spokesperson for the palace said: “The Queen received in Audience The Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP today and requested her to form a new Administration.
“Ms Truss accepted Her Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon her appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”
Former PM Boris Johnson had earlier met with the Queen to formally offer his resignation in a 40-minute chat – although this was not captured on camera.
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The UK was plunged into mourning today after Her Majesty’s death was announced.
Buckingham Palace announced in a statement tonight: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Tributes have now flooded in for the monarch from around the world led by leaders including Ms Truss.
It came after the Palace announced on Thursday that doctors were “concerned” for the Queen’s health.
Members of the royal family immediately rushed to be by the monarch’s side – including Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Andrew and Prince William.
Prince Harry also travelled to Balmoral to join Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.
PAThe Queen met Liz Truss at Balmoral