Queen Elizabeth shares a rare, candid click of herself with Prince Philip ahead of his funeral

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip fulfilled the sacred vows of marriage for 73 years. On April 9, 2021, the Duke of Edinburgh breathed his last and passed away at the age of 99.

Looking back on her life, the British monarch shared a private photo of her and Prince Philip with the world ahead of his funeral service on Saturday.

In the candid throwback photo, the Queen and Prince Philip could be seen sitting amid a sprawling landscape backdrop in Scotland. The two candidly looking at the camera flashes their bright smiles.

The beautiful candid snap was taken by the couple's daughter-in-law, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. Sharing the picture with the world, the official royal account wrote, "The Queen wishes to share this private photograph taken with The Duke of Edinburgh at the top of the Coyles of Muick, Scotland in 2003."

"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 caption on the Royal Family Instagram reads.

Despite still being in mourning for her late husband, the Queen Elizabeth continued to fulfill her many royal duties. Earlier this week, the monarch released her first official statement without her husband.

As per the British media reported, the Queen expressed her sympathies to the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Commonwealth nation, after both experienced a string of volcanic eruptions. Such specific types of royal letters typically begin with "The Duke of Edinburgh and I," so this marked the first occasion the letter did not include her husband's name.

“I have been saddened by the destruction and major disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in recent days, and my thoughts are with the many people and families who have been evacuated from their homes, and whose livelihoods have been affected,” the Queen wrote.

“I send my thanks to the emergency services and all those involved in the relief effort. My prayers will remain with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at this very difficult time."