‘Our guide’: An unseen Queen revealed in rare family photo

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have revealed an unseen side of Queen Elizabeth II in a historic photo from their childhood with their ‘dearest Grannie’.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have been left unable “to put much into words” since the Queen’s death.

So instead the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson released a heartwarming photo of them as children in a rare glimpse into the private life of their “dearest Grannie”.

“There have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and a collective loss for you, our beloved Queen and our beloved Grannie,” they said in a joint statement.

“We, like many, thought you’d be here forever. And we all miss you terribly.

“You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.”

The Queen with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Beatrice and Eugenie stood guard over their Grannie along with Prince William and Prince Harry in a special vigil for the Queen’s eight grandchildren.

They’re joined by Zara Tindall and Peter Philips, children of Princess Anne, and Lady Louise Windsor and James Alexander, Viscount Severn, children of Prince Edward.

Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice view the flowers left by mourners outside Balmoral Castle. Photo: WireImage

Beatrice and Eugenie with the Queen, the Queen Mother and other relatives in 1998. Picture: Supplied

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh with their grandchildren Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Picture: Getty Images

For about 15 minutes, the eight grandchildren, invited by the King after expressing their desire to pay their respects, are the guards of the late monarch’s coffin.

“For now dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy,” the sisters said in a statement.

“You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world.”

“The world mourns you and the tributes would really make you smile. They are all too true of the remarkable leader you are.

“We’re so happy you’re back with Grandpa. Goodbye dear Grannie, it has been the honour of our lives to have been your granddaughters and we’re so very proud of you.

“We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service.”