Queen marks new decade with photo alongside her three heirs
Prince George, who turned six last year, stands on a red-carpeted step in the Buckingham Palace photo.
Friday 3 January 2020 22:46, UK
The Queen has celebrated the start of a new decade with a portrait of herself with her three heirs.
The photograph of Her Majesty alongside the Prince of Wales, her grandson the Duke of Cambridge and her great-grandson Prince George was taken in Buckingham Palace's throne room shortly before Christmas.
Prince George, who turned six in July, can be seen standing on a red-carpeted step in front of his grandfather Prince Charles.
The photograph marks only the second time that a portrait of all four royals together has been issued.
The first was released in April 2016 to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, with the picture then printed on commemorative stamps.
George's elevated position in the new portrait is reminiscent of the previous photo, when the then-two-year-old stood next to the Queen on a blue and black step.
George is wearing tartan trousers and a white shirt in the new photo, while Prince Charles is wearing a pinstripe suit.
The Queen stands at the front in a white dress with a blue brooch.
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Both the 2016 and 2020 images were taken by photographer Ranald Mackechnie.
The new snap comes just two weeks after the royals marked the festive season with another series of photos.
The Queen, Charles, William and George made Christmas puddings in Buckingham Palace last month, pictured in front of a Christmas tree adorned with regal corgi and crown decorations.
In footage that was played during the Queen's Christmas message, George was seen repeatedly stabbing the thick pudding mixture with a wooden spoon, making his grandfather chuckle.
Both the new portrait and the Christmas pudding photos were taken on 18 December, when the Queen hosted the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace for their annual Christmas lunch.