Just days before her death, Queen Elizabeth was seen in what was her final official engagement.
The monarch met with Britain’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, at a ceremony inside the green-carpeted room at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Due to the Queen’s ongoing health issues, the appointment of the new PM broke with tradition by taking place in Scotland, rather than in Buckingham Palace.
The monarch was supported by her walking cane as she invited Truss, Her Majesty’s 15th prime minister in her 70-year-reign, to form a new government.
During the Queen’s final official act before her death, she looked lively and happy as she smiled for photos and shook the hand of the new prime minister.
Despite her positive demeanour, people were quick to spot the large bruise on the Queen’s hand, reigniting concerns about the monarch’s health.
ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship said the bruising was a sign of changing times in the Queen’s advancing years.
“I’m no medic but it could be some form of cannula that the Queen’s had, we are guessing,” Ship told Today.
“Buckingham Palace never tells us about her ongoing medical conditions. She’s 96 years old. A frail lady, let’s be clear. And queen of advancing age.”
Just days later, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at the age of 96.
The monarch was under medical supervision due to her deteriorating health but unfortunately died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8th at 8:30pm local time (3:30am AEDT).
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” The Royal Family tweeted.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The public was notified of her death through the traditional form of a formal message placed on an easel on the railings outside the Palace.
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.