Last photos of the Queen see the Monarch beaming as she meets Liz Truss

Photos of the Queen fulfilling the final duty of her reign, shaking hands with the UK’s new Prime Minister, are a sign of the Monarch’s dedication to her service.

The Queen was pictured beaming as she met the UK’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss in her final-ever photo taken just days before her death.

Buckingham Palace announced today Her Majesty had died aged 96 after an astonishing 70 years on the throne.

Her death comes just days after she formally appointed Ms 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.

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The Queen met Liz Truss on Tuesday. Picture: AFP

Ms Truss has today made a statement live from Downing Street paying tribute to the Queen.

“We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Balmoral,” she began.

“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and the world. Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.”

Calling the longest-serving British Monarch a “personal inspiration”, Ms Truss went on to recall their meeting on Tuesday.

"Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built"

Prime Minister Liz Truss pays tribute to the Queen Elizabeth II, who has died aged 96https://t.co/qmv4KQNpMspic.twitter.com/TVoyQ4Grb0

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) September 8, 2022

“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties, and she appointed me as her 15th Prime Minister,” she said.

The poignant photos of the moment show the monarch beaming as she greeted Ms Truss – the 15th Prime Minister she appointed during her reign.

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 of the event: “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.”

Truss met with the Queen in Scotland. Picture: Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving Monarch in British history. Picture: AFP

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.

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, but is is believed Harry was still travelling to Her Majesty’s Scottish residence when she passed.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission

Originally published as Last photos of the Queen see the Monarch beaming as she meets Liz Truss