King Charles has paid a touching tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 97th birthday on Friday.
The royal family's official social media accounts shared a beautiful photograph of the beaming late monarch wearing a pale blue outfit and matching hat.
The image was taken at the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in June 2022, just months before the Queen's death at the age of 96 in Balmoral.
© GettyThe royal family's Instagram caption read: "Today we remember the incredible life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 97th birthday.
"When Her Majesty was born in April 1926, Princess Elizabeth and her family did not expect that she would one day become Queen. Following the abdication of her uncle King Edward VIII in 1936, her father acceded to the throne.
"When King George VI died in February 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II when she was just 25. Her Majesty went onto to be Britain's longest reigning Monarch - the only one in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee."
SEE: King Charles's incredible gift to Queen Consort Camilla seen for the first time ahead of coronation
© GettyRoyal fans flooded the comments with their own tributes, with one writing: "Happy heavenly birthday to our dearly missed Queen."
Another said: "Happy heavenly 97th birthday ma'am...x." A third added: "What a wonderful woman. Rest in peace."
Sarah, Duchess of York was also among the family members to the late Queen, who she remained close to after her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996.
The author, 63, wrote in an Instagram post: "Today would have been Her Late Majesty the Queen’s 97th birthday and I will spend the day thinking of her. For over 70 years she was a constant and steadfast presence in our national life, and for me she was a wonderful mother-in-law, friend and adviser. I miss her more than words can express."
Take a look back at some of Charles's most treasured moments with his late mother in the clip below...
The King and Queen Consort are thought to have spent time in Scotland this week after attending church at Crathie Kirk last Sunday.
No doubt today would be a period of quiet reflection for the royal family as they remember a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
The late Queen's birthday comes just two days before her great-grandson, Prince Louis, turns five on Sunday.
