Queen Elizabeth Seen Smiling by the Fire in Last Solo Photo Before Death

Queen Elizabeth II was photographed smiling in a photo next to a fireplace at Balmoral Castle, two days before her death on Thursday.

On Tuesday, September 6, she was pictured in the Drawing Room of her Scottish residence prior to appointing Liz Truss as new U.K. prime minister. The royal was dressed in a tartan skirt and gray cardigan with her Launer handbag on her arm. The event marked her first in-person engagement since July. Truss became the 15th prime minister to hold office during her reign.

Prior to meeting Truss, the queen had a private audience with outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had announced his resignation in July.

In a statement posted to Twitter and Instagram, Truss said the monarch was a "rock" for Britain. "Our country has grown and flourished under her reign."

She added that while today is a "day of great loss, [...] Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy."

The U.K.'s longest-serving monarch died at Balmoral Castle on Thursday after reigning for 70 years.

In a statement, Buckingham palace said: "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."

Her son who was heir to the throne, King Charles III, also released a statement.

"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," he said. "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."

He concluded: "During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."

There were signs that the monarch's health was declining following her husband Prince Philip's death in April 2021. In October of that year, she used a walking stick for the first time during an engagement and then canceled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland.

In February 2022, the queen was diagnosed with COVID-19 and suffered from "mild, cold-like symptoms" but was still performing "light duties," the palace said at the time.

On Wednesday, doctors urged her to cancel a virtual Privy Council meeting.

Despite her health concerns, she was able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, an occasion that marked her 70 years on the throne. She missed several events after she experienced "discomfort" during the Trooping the Color parade, according to the Buckingham Palace.

Following news of her passing, a double rainbow appeared over Buckingham Palace. There was also a rainbow above Windsor Castle.