Queen shares candid photograph smiling in the sun with Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II has shared a stunning private photo with Prince Philip from one of their summer holidays.

The Queen has shared a candid photograph of herself and Prince Philip on the Scottish Highlands the day before his funeral.

Taken by Prince Edward’s wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex in 2003, the image shows the royal couple smiling while relaxing in the sunshine.

The Queen uploaded an intimate photo of Philip a day before his funeral. Picture: The Countess of Wessex via Getty Images

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The Queen released the picture of the duke at the top of the Coyles of Muick on the eve of his funeral.

Looking completely at ease and smiling warmly, Philip and the Queen are seen appearing relaxed on the grass at the beauty spot near the town of Ballater in Aberdeenshire.

The duke lies back on a rug, propping himself up on his left elbow and has jauntily placed his hat on his right knee.

Beaming at the Countess of Wessex the Queen, dressed in a tartan skirt, blouse and cardigan and a string of pearls also sits on a rug.

With the sun blazing down the picture is likely taken when the couple were enjoying their traditional summer break at the Queen’s nearby private estate of Balmoral.

With the intimate picture, the Queen and the Royal Family shared their gratitude for the messages of condolences they have received.

“Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of The Duke, in celebration of his life,” the quote read.

Elizabeth and Prince Philip enjoying a walk during their honeymoon at Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire. Picture: Getty Images

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The image reflects the private face of the royal couple and gives an insight into how the Queen will remember her husband of 73 years after Philip died aged 99 last week.

Coyles of Muick stands above the entrance to Glen Muick and rewards walkers with an uninterrupted view of the mountain of Lochnagar.

The area is clearly a favourite spot for the Queen as she has named a corgi puppy, recently gifted to the monarch, Muick and it has a dorgi puppy playmate called Fergus - another Scottish name.

The area has been painted by the Prince of Wales whose Scottish summer retreat of Birkhall is close to the area where the Queen and Philip were photographed.

A royal source told the Mirror: “The cherished photograph is one of the Queen’s favourites and evokes many happy memories at one of their favourite places in the world.

“She will miss her beloved Philip for ever.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission